Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 October 2024
166. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the extent to which he will encourage the modernisation of rail transport infrastructure by ensuring long-term investment to meet the rail transport needs of the public into the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42364/24]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the All-Island Strategic Rail Review was undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. Following two public consultations, the Review’s Final Report was published on the 31st of July 2024.
The Review's Final 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.
The Final Review Report will inform the development of rail on the Island of Ireland in the coming decades to 2050. It should be noted that individual projects referred to in the Report will be subject to funding and relevant approvals as required under the Infrastructure Guidelines in Ireland.
Assisted by the European Investment Bank, the Department of Transport and Department for Infrastructure, and agencies north and south, are working to progress the Report’s recommendations in the years ahead. This includes a more detailed identification of rail priorities to pursue over the next decade. A report on this matter is expected to be published in the near future. Progress in following-up on the Rail Review will be reported on as appropriate through the North South Ministerial Council.
The recommendations in the All-Island Strategic Rail Review are in addition to the projects currently being progressed under the National Development Plan (NDP) 2021-2030, for example the DART+ Programme. The Review will inform decisions on investment in the rail sector in both jurisdictions to 2050. In Ireland, the Review will assist in the Department of Transport’s engagement as part of the next update to the NDP.
