Violet-Anne Wynne
Question:75. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update with respect to future rail transport plans in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30154/23]
View answerThursday, 22 June 2023
Questions (75)
Written answers
As the Deputy may be aware, there are two important aspects to the issue of future rail in County Clare.
The first is the proposals set out in the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (LSMATS) which was published by the National Transport Authority (NTA) on 1 December 2022. The LSMATS was prepared by the NTA in collaboration with Limerick City and County Council, Clare County Council, and Transport Infrastructure Ireland, with the cooperation of Iarnród Éireann. The LSMATS sets out an ambitious range of measures in relation to the future development of a Limerick Commuter Rail Network, extending to Ennis in County Clare, and the implementation of those measures over the lifetime of the Strategy which extends to 2040.
The second aspect is the All-Island Strategic Rail Review, which is being undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. It will inform the development of the railway sector on the Island of Ireland over the coming decades, including the Limerick to Galway line in County Clare.
The Review is considering the future of the rail network with regard to improving sustainable connectivity between the major cities (including the potential for higher/high-speed), enhancing regional accessibility, supporting balanced regional development and rail connectivity to our international gateways. This includes the role of rail freight. The Review is also considering the scope for improved rail services and infrastructure along the various existing, or potential future, corridors of the network including disused and closed lines.
Work on the Review is now at an advanced stage and it is expected that a draft will be published for the purposes of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) public consultation in July. Following the SEA process and finalisation of the report, it is expected that it will be submitted for the approval of the Minister for Transport and Government in the autumn, as well as to the Minister for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. Should there continue to be an absence of Ministers in the NI Executive, approval will be considered taking into account the decision-making framework set out in the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc.) Act 2022 or relevant legislation in place at the time.
It is expected that the final Review will be published in the autumn of 2023.