Joe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

As highlighted previously, and noting the conclusion in the JASPERS review that there was a lack of strategic context for planning investment in the heavy rail network in 2021 the Minister for Transport, in partnership with the Minister for Infrastructure, announced his intention to undertake an all-island strategic rail review. This review is considering how the rail network on the island of Ireland can promote sustainable connectivity between the major cities, enhance regional accessibility and support balanced regional development. The review is examining how the railways are used, how they could be used in future and how the network can evolve to serve the people on the island of Ireland and achieve policy goals.

The review is being conducted on an all-island basis, in full co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure. It will, therefore, provide a holistic overview of the potential of rail on the island. The review is considering the scope for improved rail services and infrastructure along the various existing and potential future corridors of the network, including disused and closed lines. The review will establish the framework for investment in disused lines in the coming decades and, until it is complete, no work will be undertaken on such lines that might preclude any future reopening.

It is clear that the all-island strategic rail review is going to the roadmap going forward. There is certainly a commitment from this Government and from the Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, to improve our public transport and there is a sharp consciousness of the situation on the western side of the island and further afield. The potential for this to be an all-Ireland project is not lost on anyone. With the roadmap of the written review, with our commitment and with these various priorities, I hope that we will see significant improvement in the future.

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