I propose to take Questions Nos. 65, 72, 77 and 85 together.
As reiterated in the National Development Plan, the Strategic Rail Review is being undertaken to provide a strategy for the development of the railway sector on the Island of Ireland over the period to 2040 and beyond. Work has commenced on the Review and, for the information of the Deputies, a consultation exercise will form part of the review and is expected in the near future.
The Strategic Rail Review will review the rail network with regard to the following ambitions: improving sustainable connectivity between the major cities (including the potential for high-/higher speed(s)), enhancing regional accessibility and supporting balanced regional development and improving rail connectivity to our international gateways including consideration of the role of rail freight.
This Review will also consider the potential scope for improved rail services along the various existing, or future potential, corridors of the network, including currently lightly used lines such as the Waterford to Limerick Junction line. That scope will also include the potential afforded by disused and closed lines such as the potential of the Western Rail Corridor, and other disused lines like Wexford to Waterford line .
It 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. I expect the Review will be completed within 12 months.