Write a comment
The Department of Transport and the Department for Infrastructure have unveiled their All-Island Strategic Rail Review, a transformative plan to modernise the rail network across Ireland. Approved by both governments, the report envisions a rail system overhaul by 2050, aligning with net zero carbon commitments.
Immediate developments include increasing the Dublin-Belfast service to hourly trains and adding more services between Dublin and Galway. Procurement for a new, faster "Enterprise" train fleet for the Dublin-Belfast route has also begun.
The review outlines 32 strategic recommendations to enhance and expand rail infrastructure, focusing on increased track capacity, electrification, faster trains, and higher service frequencies.
Newry and Armagh MP Dáire Hughes welcomed the final report. Mr Hughes said “The All-Island Rail Review sets out a pathway to a greener, cleaner and more connected island.
“The report outlines a number of key priorities, and I particularly welcome plans to reinstate the Portadown to Armagh line, with a view to progressing this further to reconnect this line to Cavan and Mullingar.
“Also, the proposal to build a new, direct line from Lisburn and Newry would be an economic driver for local workers and communities, cutting car dependency and journey times on the Belfast to Dublin corridor.
“This is an historic day and one which we now must see a real focus on to deliver first-class rail services right across the island, and to continue with the progression towards net zero.”
Public feedback from a draft report and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) informed the final recommendations, which include:
- Additional Capacity: Upgrading much of the single-track network to double-track, with some areas having four-track lines.
- Faster Services: Introducing new intercity trains reaching 200 km/h (125 mph), cutting journey times significantly.
- Higher Frequency: Ensuring at least hourly train services between cities and every two hours on regional routes.
- Decarbonisation: Achieving a net zero carbon rail system through electrification and new electric trains.
- Greater Reach: Expanding the rail network from 2,300 km to almost 3,000 km by reopening former lines and adding new ones.
- Wider Access: Bringing rail services within 5 km of 700,000 more people.
- More Passengers: Increasing annual rail users from 65 million to over 180 million by 2050.
The report estimates the capital cost at €35bn-€37 billion/£29-£31 billion in 2023 prices. The economic benefits are expected to cover these costs, ensuring value-for-money.
DfI Minister, John O'Dowd, called the review historic and praised the cross-border collaboration. He noted the report’s potential to support climate commitments and economic productivity through improved infrastructure.
Irish Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan, hailed the report as the most ambitious rail vision in a century, emphasising the importance of cooperation between north and south. He highlighted rail's role in regional development and sustainability.
Supported by the European Investment Bank, both departments and their agencies are committed to implementing the report’s recommendations, with progress updates to be provided through the North South Ministerial Council. The full All-Island Strategic Rail Review Report and SEA Reports are available on the respective departments' websites.
