Write a commentFollowing a meeting yesterday Minister for Infrastructure Nichola Mallon MLA and Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan T.D have agreed to progress a feasibility study for high speed rail between Belfast and Dublin and on to Cork
A commitment was made to the project in the Executives New Decade, New Approach document.
In addition it was agreed that the feasibility study will also include Derry and Limerick looking at connectivity from Derry – Belfast – Dublin – Limerick - Cork.
Speaking after yesterday’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 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 under investment 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 added “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 recognized 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.”
