Patricia Ryan (Kildare South, Sinn Fein)
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310. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the all-island strategic review of the rail network will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14712/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 310 and 376 together.

As the Deputies may be aware my Department, in consultation with the Department for Infrastructure (Northern Ireland) and other relevant stakeholders, is undertaking a strategic review of the heavy rail network on the island of Ireland.  The review will consider all issues in relation to inter-urban and inter-regional rail connectivity, including the potential for high-/higher speed(s), rail freight and improved connectivity to the North West.

I expect my Department will launch the procurement process very shortly. The ultimate duration of the Review will be determined by the work programmes submitted in response to that process; this will be one of the most significant reviews of the rail network on the island in many years and will provide a framework to develop a much-improved rail network in the years ahead.