Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 February 2024
195. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport when he expects the final draft of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review to be prepared for approval by the Ministers north and south following the recent public consultation; the process that will be followed to get final sign off on the strategy in this jurisdiction in order that the elements pertaining to this jurisdiction can be actioned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6113/24]
View answerThe 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 the railway sector on the Island of Ireland over the coming decades, to 2050, in line with net zero targets in both jurisdictions.
Work on the Review is now at an advanced stage and a draft report was published for a Strategic Environmental Assessment public consultation in July of last year. The public consultation phase of the SEA process concluded on 29th September and submissions are now under review by officials from both jurisdictions. Following this process, it is expected that a final report will be submitted for Ministerial approval and ultimately the approval of the Government, as well as to the Minister for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. It is expected that the final Review will be published by the Summer.
