Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 February 2024
106. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Transport if the all-Ireland strategic rail review will be open for additional actions, particularly in relation to the providing of a rail connection to Donegal; if the reinstatement of the Northern Ireland Assembly provides an opportunity for additional review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8831/24]
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.
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, enhancing regional accessibility, supporting balanced regional development and rail connectivity to our international gateways. This also includes the role of rail freight.
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. However, there will not be any additional review at this time.
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.
