Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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125. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason that a number of rail projects have been given approval to proceed whilst others are delayed under the All-Ireland Rail Review; the method of selection for the projects that are proceeding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27683/22]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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126. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the work that has been completed to date on the All-Island Rail Review; the timeline for the completion and publication of the review; the monies spent to date; the remaining budget to be spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27684/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 125 and 126 together.

As the Deputy may be aware, the Strategic Rail Review is considering the future development of the rail network in Ireland.  The Review, which is ongoing and for which Arup Consultants have been appointed, is being undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland.  The cost is expected to be approximately €1 million and as per the contract, payments are being made to ARUP over the duration of the Review.  Upon completion later this year, the Review will inform the future development of the railway sector on the Island of Ireland over the coming decades. 

I look forward to its completion and the final report which is expected in Quarter 4. 

Separate to the Strategic Rail Review and as the Deputy may be aware, the revised National Development Plan establishes the funding parameters for investment for the coming decade and the outcomes for the rail network to be achieved with that funding.

Under the NDP, there are a number of heavy rail-related projects already underway and continue to be progressed.  These projects include –

- National Train Control Centre: Implementation of a range of enabling works packages will continue on the new National Train Control Centre;

- Track relaying / ballast cleaning / signalling improvements etc.:work will continue across the network on these important aspects of protection and renewal as part of the Exchequer’s €1.1billion commitment to the protection and renewal programme, during the period 2020 - 2024, which cumulatively increases service reliability and punctuality, improves journey times and ensures continued safety of the network; and

- New InterCity Railcars (ICRs):these 41 carriages are under construction and scheduled for delivery commencing in the coming months and due to enter into service in 2023.

Furthermore and separate to the above, in each of the five metropolitan areas work will continue in relation to progressing plans for their metropolitan area rail networks and / or rail termini. This work includes –

- Cork:preparatory work will continue on the EU funded programme to improve rail infrastructure in the Cork metropolitan area;

- Dublin:as part of the DART+ Programme it is expected that a railway order will be lodged in relation to DART+ West in the coming months.  It is also expected a railway order will be lodged in relation to DART+ South West by end year subject to Government approval of an updated Preliminary Business Case;

- Galway:planning and design is continuing in relation to the proposed redevelopment of Ceannt Station and Oranmore Station, while next year will see a review of the current Galway Transport Strategy;

- Limerick:plans for the development of the metropolitan area rail network are being considered as part of the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy. A Draft Strategy has recently been published and a Public Consultation is currently open until 10 June; and

- Waterford:planning and design continues in relation to the previously announced relocation of Plunkett Station, while a metropolitan area transport strategy is under development.