Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 February 2023
189. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Transport if his Department has made the case in the strategic review on rail for the reopening of Dunleer train station; when the review will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7923/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the Strategic Rail Review is being undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. The results of the review will inform the development of the railway sector on the Island of Ireland over the coming decades. A draft report is currently being finalised by the consultants for submission to the Departments. The finalised draft report will then be submitted for approval to both Ministers and ultimately Government. After the necessary approvals have been secured, I will publish the report.
The Review is 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. This scope includes the Northern Line from Connolly Station in Dublin to Belfast, along which the former Dunleer station is sited.
The Review has also been informed by a public consultation process which concluded last year and which received a significant response both North and South. Some respondents put forward various suggestions and proposals for the reopening of disused stations such as Dunleer.
The Strategic Rail Review will assist in considering these issues and I look forward to its completion. It is the first all-island review of the network since the formation of the State and will provide a framework to develop a much-improved rail network in the decades ahead.
