Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 April 2023
260. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Transport if he will outline plans for the further development of the rail network over the next five years; if his Department intends to increase investment in new stations and routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16828/23]
View answerThe Deputy may be aware that plans for the further development of the rail network in and around the State’s five major cities are set out in their respective metropolitan area transport strategies. These strategies each provide a twenty year horizon for potential investment and are reviewed every six years, with that of the Greater Dublin Area the most recently reviewed and a revised strategy published earlier this year. A further strategic consideration is the Government's Climate Action Plan 2023 which, among a suite of policy measures, targets growth in the national market (or mode) share of public transport, of which rail is a part, from circa 8% at present to 19% by 2030.
Moreover, for the inter-urban rail network, in cooperation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland, I have commissioned an All-Island Strategic Rail Review. This Review will inform policy and future strategy for the railways in both jurisdictions. The Review is now at an advanced stage and I look forward to its finalisation and ultimate publication.
Within and related to these strategic frameworks, there is a wide range of activity occurring across the rail network, designed to improve rail services for passengers.
In terms of the rail fleet, this year will see the introduction of 41 new additional carriages into passenger service, while a total of 185 carriages have also been ordered as part of the DART+ programme. The first of those DART+ carriages will arrive next year for testing and commissioning, before entering service in 2025.
Exchequer funding has been allocated for the redevelopment of Ceannt Station in Galway as well as track and station improvements at Oranmore, with both projects scheduled to be completed by 2025. In Cork, Phase 1 of the Cork Commuter Rail Programme, largely funded through the EU's National Recovery and Resilience Plan, is to be completed by end-2026. This will facilitate more commuter rail services in the Cork area and the longer-term electrification of this network. In Waterford Plunkett station will be relocated as part of the wider North Quays redevelopment which has recently commenced construction.
Focusing on commuter rail stations, Kishogue station in West Dublin is due to open in December 2023, and Woodbrook station near Shankill on the DART line will open by the end of 2024. A proposed new station at Moyross in Limerick is also at detailed design stage.
Furthermore, the high levels of exchequer investment in protection and renewal of the rail network will continue to deliver safety and service improvements, as evidenced by the ongoing track works on the Dublin-Cork mainline, the improvements already delivered on the Ballybrophy Line, the rehabilitation works underway to restore the Foynes Line for freight traffic and coastal protection works being undertaken along the Wicklow coast.
Finally, there are a number of very significant rail programmes currently in the planning system, with applications for Railway Orders with An Bord Pleanála in relation to DART+ West, DART+ South West and the Cork Commuter Rail Programme. Subject to receipt of permission, works will also commence on these projects over the next few years.
All of this represents a major level of investment and activity in the rail network, and I look forward to seeing considerable rail service improvements over the next five years.
