Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1354. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a cost benefit analysis has been carried out on the possibility of building a high speed railway line between Dublin and Belfast; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19947/17]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1355. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if discussions have taken place to date in relation to the possibility of building a high speed railway line from Dublin to Belfast; the estimated cost of such a project; the discussions that have taken place with the EU in relation to funding this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19948/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1354 and 1355 together.

A cost benefit analysis has not been carried out on upgrading the Dublin-Belfast rail link to a high-speed link. 

The Northern rail line plays an important role in linking communities North and South of the Border. Iarnród Éireann and Translink have established a joint Enterprise Board chaired by the CEO's of both companies aimed at implementing improvements to the Enterprise cross-border Dublin/Belfast service. 

While the main emphasis of funding for the rail network in the Government's Capital Plan is on the maintenance of the existing network to ensure it remains safe and fit for purpose, funding has been allocated for electrification of the Northern Line as far as Balbriggan. Funding has also been allocated for the completion of the City Centre Re-signalling Programme and the construction of a new Central Traffic Control Centre which will enable the DART expansion projects to progress as well as generally improving national rail movements, including the Enterprise service. 

The role of heavy rail in Ireland's transport sector is currently under review.  A public consultation process on the Rail Review prepared jointly by the National Transport Authority and Iarnród Éireann concluded on 18 January and the NTA is currently preparing a report about the process which I intend to bring to Government in due course. No decisions on any changes to the rail network will be made until the outcome of the public consultation process has been evaluated and NTA's report considered.​