Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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235. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his vision for the way in which the communities from the south west, the west and on to counties Sligo, Donegal and Derry can be connected by rail and his plans to advance this vision. [28756/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I think the Programme for Government – Our Shared Futuresets out a very clear vision to fundamentally change the nature of transport in Ireland. To make that change, we need a whole of system perspective across all modes of transport, whether that is active travel, bus or rail. Getting that whole-of-system perspective requires evidence-based and plan-led transport infrastructure development, as well as transport infrastructure development that integrates with and acts as a catalyst for improved land-use planning.

In relation to inter-urban rail, I have recently agreed with my Northern colleague Minister Nicola Mallon, MLA, the need to develop further existing draft terms of reference for a proposed study of rail speeds on the Belfast-Dublin-Limerick Junction-Cork corridor, designated at EU level as a TEN-T Core Corridor. Our intention is to ensure the finalised terms of reference take sufficient cognisance of the need for balanced regional development, particularly in relation to connectivity with the North-West.

Our Departments will work together with other relevant stakeholders in finalising the terms of reference and moving forward with the procurement of consultants.

I look forward to the commencement of this important study in due course.

Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
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236. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Parliamentary Question 664 of 30 June 2020, if he will provide an expected timeline for the release of the latest rail review report on the western rail corridor commissioned in 2019 in view of the fact the publication of the report is already delayed by more than six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28768/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As the Deputy is aware Iarnród Éireann commissioned a financial and economic appraisal of a proposed reopening of Phases 2 and 3 of the Western Rail Corridor, and, I can confirm that on 1st July my Department received from Iarnród Éireann a copy of the final report on the proposal. That report had been prepared in accordance with the commitment given in the current National Development Plan.

An independent review is currently being conducted by JASPERS, an agency established by the European Union and the European Investment Bank. JASPERS has vast experience in advising Member States and public authorities on regional development proposals, such as the proposed reopening of Phases 2 and 3 of the Corridor. Their analysis will provide a broader perspective on issues such as the potential wider economic impact, freight services, climate impact and a view on the potential for securing EU funds if it were to go ahead. I expect to receive their report very shortly.

I intend to publish these analyses as soon as is practical, however, in line with the Programme for Government commitment I will first bring the matter to Government.