Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 March 2023
36. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport if he will ensure the western rail corridor is added to the TEN-T network following the publication of the All-Island Rail Review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10590/23]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, a financial and economic appraisal in relation to the potential re-opening of Phases 2 and 3 of the Western Rail Corridor, commissioned by Iarnród Éireann and conducted by EY economic consultants, was published in early 2021 and is available to view at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/1174d-review-of-western-rail-corridor-phases-2-and-3-athenry-to-claremorris/
This report was subject to an independent review commissioned by my Department and conducted by JASPERS, an agency of the EU/EIB, and that review is also available to view through the above link.
As the Deputy may also be aware, the Strategic Rail Review, which is being undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland, will inform the development of inter-urban / inter-regional rail on the Island of Ireland over the coming decades. It will establish the strategic backdrop to rail investment in our regions that the JASPERS review noted was lacking when considering investment in Phase 2 and 3 of the Western Rail Corridor.
The Review is considering the potential scope for improved rail services along various existing and potential future corridors of the network, and that scope will include the potential afforded by disused and closed lines such as the Western Rail Corridor. It would be premature to commit to the reopening of the Western Rail Corridor before the Review is finalised.
The Review is now at an advanced stage. Publication of the report will follow after the necessary approvals have been secured.
The European Commission proposals for the revised TEN-T Regulation is currently at the trilogue stage in Brussels, with a view to adoption by the end of the year. As such, there is still time for the results of the Review to inform Ireland's position in relation to the future TEN-T network.
