Ministers Ryan and Mallon announce public consultation on all-island Strategic Rail Review

The Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan T.D., and the Minister for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland, Nichola Mallon MLA, today invited members of the public to have their say on the future of rail on the island of Ireland as part of the all-island Strategic Rail Review.

A key element of the Review will be gaining insights from interested stakeholders and the wider public. These views are critical in shaping and developing the rail network. Submissions are invited from all those interested in the future of rail on the island of Ireland, recognising the important role that rail can play in our quality of life, economic activity, and the environment.

Minister Ryan stated: “I’m delighted to launch this public consultation on the future of rail on the island of Ireland. We want to hear people’s views on how rail can support social and economic development across the island, enhance regional accessibility and improve connectivity between our major cities. I would encourage all interested parties to participate in shaping the outcome of this important review.”

Minister Mallon said: “Since coming into office, I have been clear that it is my priority to address regional imbalance, tackle the climate crisis and better connect communities across Ireland. I have huge ambitions for our all island rail network and I believe it has massive untapped potential to deliver multiple benefits across our island.

“The All-Island Strategic Rail Review will allow us to consider our network across this island to view how we can improve it for everyone. I am delighted today, along with my colleague in the South Minister Eamon Ryan, to launch a public consultation to seek views from communities and stakeholders across this island on their vision for our rail network.

“There are real opportunities for communities across the island and significant benefits that better connections could bring not just to people but also for our environment and economy.

“This is an ambitious piece of work that will help inform our decision making and investment in our rail network for years to come so I would encourage everyone to get involved with the process and put forward their views. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of connectivity across Ireland and I’m looking forward to hearing from communities across our island on what we can do together to deliver lasting change across our country.”

The Strategic Rail Review reflects an Irish Government commitment under the New Decade, New Approach agreement of the Irish and UK Governments. The Review is being delivered by Arup consultants and overseen by the Department of Transport in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure, supported by key stakeholders including the Commission for Rail Regulation, the National Transport Authority, Iarnród Éireann and Translink.

Notes to the Editor

Submissions are invited from interested parties on the future of rail on the island of Ireland, the policy opportunities and where improvements can be made, recognising the important role that rail plays in quality of life, economic activity, and the environment.

The overall objective of the Review is to examine the role of rail in supporting relevant policy objectives in both Ireland and Northern Ireland with particular emphasis on achieving climate change objectives. The Review shall strategically review the rail network on the island of Ireland in relation to improving sustainable connectivity between the major cities, enhancing regional accessibility (including to the North West) and supporting balanced regional development and considering the potential to increase rail freight. The Review shall consider the potential scope for improved rail services along the various existing, or future potential, corridors of the network and will include consideration of high-level design and operational proposals for identified corridors as appropriate.

It is expected that the final report of the Strategic Rail Review will be completed by Q4 2022.

For more information on how to participate, and to read the policy objectives which frame the review, please click here.

The deadline for receipt of submissions as part of this public consultation is 17:00 on 21 January 2022.