Ministers launch public consultation on All Island Strategic Rail Review

Minister for Infrastructure Nichola Mallon, and Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan have 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 across Ireland. 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.  The public consultation opening today will give people the opportunity to put forward their views. 

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.”

Minister Ryan said:

“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.”

For more information on how to participate, and to read the policy objectives which frame the review, please visit: https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/consultations

The deadline for receipt of submissions as part of this public consultation is 5pm on 21 January 2022.

Notes to editors: 

1. The intention to carry out an all-island Strategic Rail Review was announced by Minister Mallon (pictured) and Minister Ryan in April 2021.
2. The Review reflects an Irish Government commitment under the New Decade, New Approach agreement of the Irish and UK Governments.  
3. The Strategic Rail Review will consider the rail network on the island of Ireland with regard to the following ambitions: improving sustainable connectivity between the major cities (including the potential for high-/higher speed), enhancing regional accessibility, supporting balanced regional development and considering rail connectivity to international gateways - sea and air ports, which will include examining the role of rail freight.
4. The Review will be delivered by consultants Arup, appointed in July 2021, 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.
5. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office at: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk
6. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
7. Follow the Department on Twitter @deptinfra  and on Facebook @DepartmentforInfrastructure 

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