Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 March 2023
83. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Transport the plans in place to improve the rail system between Mayo and Dublin; if he will outline his position on the western rail corridor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10561/23]
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. The Review will also look at improving the rail system between Mayo and Dublin. 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.
