Seán Canney
Question:4. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Transport when he expects the all-Ireland rail review to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12069/22]
View answerThursday, 3 March 2022
Questions (4)
Oral answers (7 contributions)
We are beginning with Question No. 4.
I thank Deputy O'Rourke for facilitating me.
Could I have an update on the progress on the ongoing all-island rail review? What issues will be prioritised? Given the political situation in the North, is progress being hampered? Is it affecting the timelines for the review? When is the review likely to conclude and when are we likely to see a report on it?
The all-island strategic rail review, which is being undertaken in co-operation with Northern Ireland's Department for Infrastructure, will inform the development of the railway sector on the island of Ireland over the coming decades. This is one of the most significant reviews of the rail network on the island in many years and it will provide a framework to develop a much-improved network for the future. I expect to receive a final report on the review by the end of the year. I believe this is the first time such a review has been conducted on an all-island basis. As such, it will consider the potential of rail from a different perspective than reviews of the past. This all-island perspective will allow us to consider afresh issues such as rail connectivity to the north west, in addition to the potential for high or higher speed rail between the island's major cities.
I am a firm believer in the potential of rail to contribute to economic and social development across the island of Ireland, provide faster and more frequent connectivity, connect communities and help us reach our climate goals. I do not think I am alone in that belief. I understand that just over 7,000 responses were received during the recent public consultation on the review. This is a very large response by comparison with responses to similar public engagements. All the responses are being considered and will inform the development of the overall review and offer a genuine insight into the views on, and expectations and hopes for, rail of interested stakeholders across the island.
As Deputy Canney knows, this review started by examining high-speed connectivity between Dublin, Belfast and Cork, but the remit has broadened. It broadened first and foremost to include the issue of connectivity to the north west. I have a particular interest in what I regard to be underutilised lines or sections of lines that could be inserted into the network to make better use of it as a whole.
Rail freight is another aspect that is critical to the wider review. Initially, there was a very narrow focus on high-speed rail between cities but there is now a much broader remit. That will provide a useful direction in a variety of ways.
I thank the Minister. Let me develop the point he made about high-speed connectivity between cities. I am concerned about the west and the absence of a connection between Galway and Mayo, in addition to the break in the line between Claremorris and Athenry, which means we do not have connectivity between the likes of Westport, Ballina, Galway, Limerick and Cork.
The Minister mentioned the potential of rail freight and alluded to the potential to open up rail freight lines along the western corridor. With the potential for offshore energy generation and all that will play out in that regard, it is important to have the infrastructure in place to exploit the potential to create jobs in the regions. As the Minister knows, the north west is an area in decline and has been designated as such by the EU. Therefore, it is important to create the infrastructure necessary to build our jobs potential for the future.
The Deputy's knowledge of the area is far better than mine but I am not too sure that I would characterise the part of the country in question as being in decline. What we want to do is see it develop faster. We want better balanced regional development. In that context, the section of rail the Deputy mentioned is important. The section from Athenry to Claremorris has to be seen as part of a longer whole. In my view, the western rail corridor starts in Waterford, strangely enough. The line is completely underutilised, particularly from Waterford to Limerick. The lines from Limerick to Ennis and from Ennis to Galway have seen a revival and a return of passenger services, but not to the extent that would see the full use of the existing assets. The really interesting question concerns the completion of the western corridor, running from Ballina right down the west coast to the south east. It is in that context that we must consider that section of rail.
I agree we have to consider it in light of the national rail network framework. It is important that we do so with a view to providing transport modes that are different if we are to take cars off the road and create a better environment. I am not saying the west or north west is in decline but that the EU is telling us it is and that it is subject to underinvestment. It is a fact from the EU. I applaud the Minister's vision and ambition, which I support 100%, but it is important not to let this opportunity go.
Several weeks ago, there was talk of Intel creating a microchip facility in Oranmore. I understand the site was not picked because it does not have the necessary infrastructure to get people in and out of the area and to have services and supports there. That is why the infrastructure is necessary. We need to support Shannon Foynes Port, Waterford, Cork, Galway and Rossaveel, so it is important that we create the infrastructure.
I am not too sure that Oranmore has lost out on that yet. Even if Intel makes the investment in another jurisdiction, the site, like others across the country, is ripe for development because we have the key raw materials needed for economic investment. We will, as the Deputy stated, have high-quality, low-carbon power supply when we develop our offshore wind resources. We have significant water resources. Water is scarce in other parts of the world. We have some of the best workers and high-quality precision-manufacturing capability. Even if the plant in Oranmore is not advanced, I am sure alternative options will be available.
I am sure alternative options will come forward. I am aware that in a low-carbon world, having a low-carbon transport system and an infrastructure to back that up is part of the deal. In that regard, I agree with the Deputy. This is a long-term investment and we must think long term here. When we are building rail networks, we must think of decades, not just years. In that context, I am looking forward to the review and what it has to say.