Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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164. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if Duleek is being considered as part of the all-island strategic rail review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7048/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As the Deputy is aware, the Strategic Rail Reviewis 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 Reviewis 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 rail), enhancing regional accessibility, supporting balanced regional development, and rail connectivity to our international gateways. This also includes the role of rail freight.

The Review is also considering the scope for improved rail services and infrastructure along the various existing, or potential future, corridors of the network including disused and closed lines.

It is important that we examine constraints in the rail sector and deliver a strategy which allows rail to fulfil its potential as a sustainable mode of transport in pursuit of decarbonisation priorities, rural connectivity objectives and as a generator of prosperity for people across Ireland.

The Reviewis at an advanced stage. Publication of the final report will follow once it has been considered and approved at Ministerial level on both sides of the border.