Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

326. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of establishing a commission to conduct an economic evaluation of higher speed rail links between the main cities in view of the commitment in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32949/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Deputy is aware that the Programme for Government – Our Shared Future commits toward a fundamental change in the nature of transport in Ireland and I believe that rail has a strategic role to play in achieving that change.

Following a recent Transport Sectoral meeting of the North South Ministerial Council, Minister Nichola Mallon, MLA, and I both agreed that our Departments should further develop draft terms of reference for a proposed study of rail speeds, 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.

I believe this study will allow for a full consideration of the strategic potential of rail, including the opportunities for high-/higher- speed rail where appropriate. This will be a significant study and my Department will work with the Department for Infrastructure Northern Ireland to finalise the terms of reference to allow for the procurement process commence and I look forward to the commence of the study in due course.