Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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167. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the date on which he will publish the all-island rail review; and the amount expended on the review to date.; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54035/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The All-Island Strategic Rail Review is being undertaken in cooperation 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.

The Review is considering the future of the rail network with regard to the following ambitions: improving sustainable connectivity between the major cities (including the potential for higher/high-speed), enhancing regional accessibility, supporting balanced regional development and rail connectivity to our international gateways. This also includes the role of rail freight.

The amount expended on the Review to date is €1.24 million. I expect to receive a draft report from the Review before the end of the year and look forward to publishing it as soon as possible thereafter, in consultation with the Department for Infrastructure and Minister for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland.