Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 November 2023
21. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the progress made in relation to the All-Ireland Strategic Rail Review; when it is intended to publish the final report; if, in light of the absence of an Executive in Northern Ireland, he intends implementing immediately the proposals that are totally within this jurisdiction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52622/23]
View answer42. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Transport if his Department intends to implement the recommendations of the All-Ireland Strategic Rail Review Report published this summer; the next steps following the publication of the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52081/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 21 and 42 together.
The All-Island Strategic Rail Review is being undertaken by the Department of Transport 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.
The Review is considering the future of the rail network with regard to the following ambitions: improving sustainable connectivity between the major cities (including the potential for higher/high-speed rail), enhancing regional accessibility, supporting balanced regional development, and rail connectivity to our international gateways. This includes the role of rail freight and consideration of the growth potential of the rail freight market.
Work on the Review is now at an advanced stage and a draft report was published for the purposes of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) public consultation in July. The public consultation phase of the SEA process concluded on 29th September and submissions are now under review by the Project Team and officials from both jurisdictions
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, 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.
The future development of railways in both jurisdictions will be directed by Government in each jurisdiction and legislatures. More work is needed to test the feasibility of many recommendations included in the Report, and each recommendation would be subject to appraisal, environmental assessment, and decision in line with applicable governance processes.
