Johnny Mythen (Wexford, Sinn Fein)
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134. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the timeframe and process for the next phase of the all-island strategic rail review. [22239/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As the Deputy may be aware, the Strategic Rail Reviewis being undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. It will inform the development of the railway sector on the Island of Ireland over the coming decades.

Following a competitive tendering process, Arup were appointed to undertake the Review,which commenced last September. A public consultation process ran from 26th November to 21st January. Submissions made as part of that public consultation have been considered and will inform the rest of the Review.

I have previously stated my belief in the potential of rail. It is important that we identify current constraints in the rail sector, then balance decarbonisation priorities, economic growth and rural connectivity objectives to achieve a strategy which allows rail to fulfil its potential as a resilient and sustainable mode of transport and generator of economic growth for people across Ireland. The Strategic Rail Reviewwill assist in, and inform, that and I look forward to its completion later this year and the final report which is expected in Quarter 4.