Matt Carthy
Ceist:67. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Transport the status of the strategic rail review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46664/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 27 September 2022
Ceisteanna (67, 80)
Johnny Mythen
Ceist:80. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Transport the timeline for when the strategic rail review of the Wexford to Waterford rail line will be completed and published. [46909/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 67 and 80 together.
As the Deputies may be aware, the Strategic Rail Review is being undertaken 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 Strategic Rail 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, and supporting balanced regional development.
The Review is also considering the scope for improved rail services and infrastructure along the various existing, or potential future, corridors of the network, including disused and closed lines. The provision of rail services on the Wexford to Waterford line is being considered in this context. The Review is also considering rail connectivity to our international gateways and, as part of that, the role of rail freight.
The final report is expected in Quarter 4 and it is my current intention that it will be published before the end of the year.