Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 5 and 71 together.

As the Deputy knows, the NDP is under review and discussions are ongoing in respect of to finalising the review and agreeing a new NDP. It is important to say at the outset that my approach to this review has been based around the sort of outcomes I want to see this NDP deliver. I would like it to set the groundwork for a fundamental change in the nature of transport in Ireland, as committed to in the programme for Government. We want to see the NDP support the investment needed to support the national planning framework, particularly in terms of supporting balanced regional development and compact growth in the five cities. This NDP needs to set us on our way to reducing emissions in line with our 2030 and 2050 net zero commitments. Our ability to deliver on those outcomes will be determined by the allocations we receive as part of the review, but my approach to the review has been framed by these considerations.

The Deputy knows I believe in the potential of rail infrastructure and services. I am of the view that this potential is not currently realised and that we can do better. That is why I broadened the terms of reference of what was a proposed high-speed study between Belfast, Dublin and Cork, so that it is now an all-island strategic rail review. This review will be conducted in co-operation with our colleagues in the Northern Ireland Executive and will examine all aspects of interurban and inter-regional rail. It will set the type of strategic backdrop to rail investment in our regions and on our mainline network that the recent Joint Assistance to Support Projects in European Regions, JASPERS, review of the western rail corridor noted was lacking.

We need this type of strategic analysis to inform our consideration of specific projects and I very much look forward to its completion next year and implementing its recommendations in the coming years, supported by the new national development plan.

In the meantime, a number of projects already under way will continue to be supported. These include the redevelopment of Ceannt Station in Galway, a new platform at Oranmore and improved protection and renewal of the network across the region generally, thanks to the increased allocations under the infrastructure manager multi-annual contract programme.

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