Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 February 2024
38. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport if the necessary electric locomotives will be provided when the Cork line is fully electrified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4558/24]
View answerAs the Deputy may know, the All-Island Strategic Rail Review, which is being undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland, will inform the development of rail on the Island of Ireland in the coming decades to 2050, in line with net carbon zero targets in both jurisdictions.
The Review has focused on how the rail network across the island could contribute to the decarbonisation of the island’s transport systems, promote sustainable connectivity into and between major cities, enhance regional accessibility, and support balanced regional development. It has also considered the interactions between proposed improvements and existing, or planned, commuter rail services.
Work on the Review is now at an advanced stage and a draft was published for the purposes of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) public consultation in July 2023. A key recommendation of the Review is to develop and begin implementing an All-Island Rail Decarbonisation Strategy. Electrification of intercity services, including the Dublin to Cork line, is included in the recommendations in the draft Review.
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. It is currently expected that the final Review will be published by the Summer.
