Minister for Infrastructure Nichola Mallon MLA and Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan T.D have agreed to progress the feasibility study for high-speed rail, a commitment in New Decade, New Approach.
In addition to the commitment in NDNA to conduct a feasibility study into high-speed rail between Belfast – Dublin – Cork, both Ministers have agreed that the feasibility study will also include Derry and Limerick. Building on the commitment in New Decade, New Approach, the feasibility study into high-speed rail will look at connectivity from Derry – Belfast – Dublin – Limerick – Cork.
Speaking after this afternoon’s North South Ministerial Transport Meeting Minister Mallon said:
“Improving connectivity across our island is key in delivering better opportunities for communities, greening our infrastructure and enhancing our island-wide economy. I am delighted that Minister Ryan and I both share a passion for enhancing our island rail network and that we are committed to working together to achieve transformative projects that serve all of our communities.
“The commitment in the New Decade, New Approach to exploring high-speed rail is vitally important and I’m pleased that in both parts of our island we are working together to make progress. Minister Ryan and I both recognise that the North West and Derry, in particular, has suffered decades of neglect and underinvestment and it cannot be left behind any longer. Therefore building on the feasibility study agreed in NDNA we have agreed that the study will also include Derry to ensure that opportunities that better connect our island, drive economic growth, investment and allow for greener, cleaner travel are inclusive and extended to the North West.”
Minister Ryan said:
“As discussed at today’s North-South Ministerial Council, we’re committed to improving cross-border connectivity. While the Belfast-Dublin-Limerick Junction-Cork line is recognised as the spine of rail connectivity on the island, we need to ensure that any review of speed considers the wider network and in particular connectivity to the North-West. This study will be one of the most significant reviews of the rail network on the island in many years and will provide a framework to develop a much-improved rail network in the years ahead.”
