Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 9 September 2024
295. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Transport the names of the consultants asked to review the All-Island Rail Strategy and recommend priorities; the terms of reference of the review; if it is intended to publish the results of the review before decisions are made on its implementation by the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35481/24]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the All-Island Strategic Rail Review has been undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. The Review will inform the development of rail on the Island of Ireland in the coming decades to 2050, in line with net zero targets in both jurisdictions.
The Review’s Final Report was published on the 31st of July 2024 and is available on www.gov.ie/en/publication/cc8fc-all-island-strategic-rail-review/.
The Report sets out 32 strategic recommendations to enhance and expand the rail system in Ireland and Northern Ireland up to 2050, aligning with net carbon zero commitments in both jurisdictions. The recommendations seek to transform the quality of the rail system to the benefit of passengers and wider society on the island, through additional track capacity, electrification, increased speeds, higher service frequencies and new routes.
It should be noted that individual programmes and projects referred to within the final Review Report will be advanced subject to funding and relevant approvals, as required under the Infrastructure Guidelines in Ireland.
Work on the Review was carried out by the engineering consultancy Arup, with extensive engagement from both Departments, the National Transport Authority, Iarnród Éireann and Translink. The work was reviewed by a High Level Steering Group, which in addition to representatives from both Departments, both rail companies and the NTA, included the Commission for Railway Regulation and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. JASPERS, a European Investment Bank (EIB) agency, also provided independent advice during the Review.
Assisted by the EIB Advisory Services, my Department and Department for Infrastructure, and agencies north and south, are working to progress the Report’s recommendations for the years ahead. This includes a more detailed identification of rail priorities to pursue over the next decade. A consortium of consultancies led by SUEZ have been appointed by the EIB to undertake this work. Decisions on publication timing have not yet been made. Progress in following-up on the Rail Review will be reported on as appropriate through the North South Ministerial Council.
