Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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66. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to improve the rail connectivity of Longford town with Dublin city by the provision of a dual rail line; if feasibility studies have been carried out on this project to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59273/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As the Deputy may be aware, the Strategic Rail Review is being undertaken to provide a strategy for the development of the railway sector on the Island of Ireland over the period to 2040 and beyond. Work on the Review has commenced. 

The Strategic Rail Review will review the rail network with regard to the following ambitions: improving sustainable connectivity between the major cities (including the potential for high-/higher speed(s)), enhancing regional accessibility and supporting balanced regional development and improving rail connectivity on the island of Ireland. This Review will also consider the potential scope for improved rail services along the various existing, or future potential, corridors of the network. 

It 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. I expect the Review will be completed within 12 months.

For the information of the Deputy, a consultation exercise forms part of the review and the Public Consultation is now open.  I would encourage all interested to engage with the process.