Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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219. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department will carry out a feasibility study into the proposed M1 rail line between Drogheda and Clongriffin stations, as referred to in the all-island strategic rail review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43221/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As the Deputy may be aware, the All-Island Strategic Rail Review was undertaken by the Department of Transport in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. Following two public consultations, the Review’s Final Report was published on the 31st of July 2024.

The Review's Final Report sets out 32 strategic recommendations to enhance and expand the rail system in Ireland and Northern Ireland up to 2050, aligning with net carbon zero commitments in both jurisdictions. The recommendations seek to transform the quality of the rail system to the benefit of passengers and wider society on the island, through additional track capacity, electrification, increased speeds, higher service frequencies and new routes. The Review’s recommendations include capacity enhancements on the Northern line between Dublin and Drogheda, which could be advanced through interventions such as four-tracking works or the development of a new rail line along the M1 motorway.

It should be noted that individual projects referred to in the Report will be subject to funding and relevant approvals as required under the Infrastructure Guidelines in Ireland.

Assisted by the European Investment Bank, the Department of Transport and Department for Infrastructure, and agencies north and south, are working to progress the Report’s recommendations in the years ahead. This includes a more detailed identification of rail priorities to pursue over the next decade, and this will include a consideration of the line between Dublin/Clongriffin and Drogheda. A report on this matter is expected to be published at some stage. Progress in following-up on the Rail Review will be reported on as appropriate through the North South Ministerial Council.