Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

267. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to detail the eight key projects within the All-Island Strategic Rail Review that are to be completed by 2030 and by 2035; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25233/25]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As the Deputy is 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.

The Review’s Final Report was published on 31st July 2024. The Review sets out 32 strategic recommendations to enhance and expand the rail system in Ireland and Northern Ireland up to 2050. 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.

Assisted by the European Investment Bank (EIB) Advisory Services, 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. As part of this work, a Projects Prioritisation Strategy, which considers how best to optimise the sequencing and implementation of the Review recommendations, including both short-term interventions and longer-term projects, is at an advanced stage of preparation and is planned for publication later this year.

This work will inform the Department's engagement on the review of the National Development Plan, which is currently underway. Progress will be reported through the North South Ministerial Council.

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

Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

268. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for a timeline on the release of Irish Rail and the NTA’s capacity study for Wicklow; if the NTA has passed this study on to the Department yet for approval; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25234/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As the Deputy may be aware, as Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding of public transport. The National Transport Authority, or NTA, has statutory responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure in the Greater Dublin Area, including through the Wicklow Capacity Enhancement Study.

The Wicklow Capacity Enhancement Study has not been received by the Department.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in this matter and the specific issues raised by the Deputy, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the NTA for a more direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.