Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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203. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there are any plans to link Portlaoise and Carlow on a more direct basis on the rail network; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29158/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I am aware that Portlaoise and Carlow are both situated on the inter-urban rail network with rail connections between both towns currently possible through interchange, usually via Kildare town. The fact is the two towns are situated on different parts of the network with Portlaoise on the Dublin-Cork line and Carlow on the Dublin-Waterford line. I would also note that interchange is a normal feature of many rail networks although obviously its convenience is enhanced by issues such as service frequency etc.

The Strategic Rail Review is being undertaken in cooperation 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 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 rail), enhancing regional accessibility, supporting balanced regional development, and rail connectivity to our international gateways. This includes the role of rail freight. The Review will also consider the potential scope for improved rail services along the various existing or future potential corridors of the network, and that scope will include the potential afforded by disused and closed lines.

Work on the Review is now at an advanced stage and it is expected that a draft will be published for the purposes of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) public consultation in July. Following the SEA process and finalisation of the report, it is expected that it will be submitted for the approval of the Minister for Transport and Government in the autumn, as well as to the Minister for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. Should there continue to be an absence of Ministers in the NI Executive, approval will be considered taking into account the decision-making framework set out in the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc.) Act 2022 or relevant legislation in place at the time.

It is expected that the final Review will be published in the autumn of 2023.

As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding for rail. The operation and maintenance of the rail network, including services on the network, is a matter for Iarnród Éireann in the first instance. Noting Iarnród Éireann's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the company for a direct response on the issue raised. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.