Marian Harkin
Question:154. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Transport when the All-Island Strategic Rail Review be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17382/24]
View answerTuesday, 23 April 2024
Questions (154)
Written answers
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 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 2023. The public consultation phase of the SEA process concluded on 29th September 2023 and submissions have been reviewed by officials from both jurisdictions.
It is expected that a final Review report, taking account of the comments raised in the consultation, will be submitted for Government approval in both jurisdictions and that the final Review will be published in the Summer.