As the Deputy is aware, the Strategic Rail Review, which is being undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure (Northern Ireland), will inform the development of inter-urban / inter-regional rail on the Island of Ireland over the coming decades. This will be one of the most significant reviews of the rail network on the island in many years providing a framework to develop a much-improved rail network for our future.
Following a competitive tendering process, Arup were appointed to undertake the Review which commenced last September. As the Deputy is aware a public consultation process commenced in November and has recently concluded. Obviously all submissions made as part of that public consultation will be considered.
I expect to receive a final report by the end of this year.