Robert Troy
Question:241. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport if, in light of the national rail review, he will commit to a feasibility study on opening a rail line between Connolly station and Mullingar. [36568/23]
View answerTuesday, 25 July 2023
Questions (241)
Written answers
The All-Island Strategic Rail Review is being undertaken in cooperation with the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. It will inform the development of the railway sector on the island of Ireland to 2050, in line with net-zero emission commitments in both jurisdictions.
As the Deputy is aware, Connolly Station and Mullingar are connected by rail today, with services in both directions approximately every two hours on weekdays. Among the considerations of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review is where improvements and capacity upgrades to the existing network should be delivered in the coming years to support the Review's goals and objectives. This consideration includes the line between Connolly and Mullingar.
Work on the Review is now at an advanced stage and, as the Deputy may be aware, it is expected that a draft will be published as part of the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) public consultation process before the end of the July. The consultation period will be an opportunity for the public and other interested parties to view the draft recommendations made by the Review, including in relation to the Connolly to Mullingar line, and make submissions setting out their view.
Following the consultation process and finalisation of the report, it is expected that the final Review will be published before the end of 2023. It would be premature to commit to any feasibility study on double tracking in advance of the conclusion of the Review.