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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 15, 35, 58, 60 and 86 together.

A draft report is being finalised by Arup, the consultants carrying out the review, for submission to the two Departments. It is anticipated that the finalised draft report will then be submitted for appropriate political approval on both sides of the Border. This is, however, complicated by the absence of an Executive and relevant Minister in Northern Ireland at present, and we must be respectful of the ongoing talks to restore power-sharing in Northern Ireland. After the necessary approvals have been obtained, the Department will publish the report.

The review is considering the future of the rail network with regard to a number of ambitions. These are improving sustainable connectivity between the major cities, including the potential for higher speed services, enhancing regional accessibility and supporting balanced regional development and rail connectivity to our international gateways. This includes the role of rail freight. The review is considering the scope for improved rail services and infrastructure along the various existing or potential corridors of the network, including disused and closed lines. This scope includes the Kingscourt to Navan line.

Separately, the Deputies may be aware of the work done by the National Transport Authority in the Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy 2022-2042. The strategy, published by the NTA in January following my approval, provides for the delivery of a rail link between Dublin and Navan by 2036, with preparatory work to commence this decade under the existing national development plan. I understand this rail link could utilise the old Kingscourt line over a short distance to connect the proposed Navan central station and a proposed Navan north station.

More generally, I assure Deputies that as well as looking at issues relating to inter-urban and inter-regional rail connectivity and the potential for higher speeds, the review is also specifically considering improved connectivity to the north west and the Border region. The Government has previously stated its belief in the potential of rail. It is important that we address constraints in the rail sector and pursue a strategy which would allow rail to fulfil its potential as a sustainable mode of transport for all our people.

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