Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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54. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to undertake a feasibility study on the development of a railway network in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35798/20]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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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.