The Department of Transport in Ireland and the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) in Northern Ireland published the report which was approved for publication by the Irish Government and DfI Minister. It highlights a strategic vision for the development of the rail system across the island of Ireland over the coming decades.
The Report presents 32 strategic recommendations aimed at improving and expanding the rail system in Ireland and Northern Ireland through 2050, in alignment with net carbon zero commitments in both regions. These recommendations are designed to significantly improve rail quality for passengers and the broader community, including adding track capacity, electrification, increased speeds and more frequent services. The vision also includes constructing new rail lines, especially in the North Midlands and North West, to improve accessibility and connectivity.
The final Report incorporates feedback from the draft Report and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) published for public consultation last year. These recommendations are the result of a thorough evidence-based review, considering factors such as connectivity, sustainability, and economic feasibility.
On this basis, the Report's recommendations envisage the following for rail on the island:
• Additional capacity: upgrading much of the single-track rail network to double-track, with four-track in some areas;
• Faster services: new 200kmh (125mph) intercity trains, with rail journey times between cities significantly reduced – in some cases, halved;
• Higher frequency: train services at least hourly between cities and at least every two hours on regional/rural routes;
• Decarbonisation: a net carbon zero rail system, primarily through the overhead electrification of intercity routes and new electric trains;
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• Greater reach: the rail network route length would increase from circa 2,300km to almost 3,000km with the reopening of former and new rail lines;
• Wider access: facilitated by new routes in the North Midlands and North West, 700,000 more people would live within 5km of a railway station;
• More passengers: almost tripling the number of people using the rail system annually from circa 65 million to over 180 million by 2050.
As part of an evidence-based approach, a high-level economic appraisal was conducted to ensure that the Review’s recommendations provide value for money. The Report estimates that implementing all the recommendations by 2050 will incur a capital cost of approximately €35 billion to €37 billion/£29 billion to £31 billion in 2023 prices. It also suggests that the societal benefits from this investment would outweigh the costs, fulfilling the goal of economic feasibility. A more detailed evaluation will be carried out for individual projects that move forward for consideration.
Minister for Transport, Ireland, Eamon Ryan, stated: "This is an important day for the island of Ireland. This is not just the first All-Island Strategic Rail Review, it is the most ambitious vision for rail in a century, bringing us forward to a new age of rail. This vision has been made possible by close cooperation between the Departments and agencies north and south.
"Rail not only allows us to carry more people and freight in a more sustainable way, it is the great connector, enabling greater regional accessibility and balanced regional development. The Report provides a long-term vision and a series of recommendations for the sustainable development of the rail network on the island. I would like to see the recommendations actioned as soon as possible, and I am pleased that work is now well underway, with European Investment Bank assistance, on how we can move forward."
DfI Minister, John O'Dowd, said: "The publication of the Final Report of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review, the first of its kind across this island, is historic and I am pleased that we have reached this point. The Report provides an evidence-based framework to help guide future investment in our rail network, and will help us meet our climate commitments. The Review has been an excellent example of joint collaboration on cross-border priorities, and this continued partnership will be key to realising its ambitions.
"This publication brings us to a new chapter where we can shape a better future for everyone by decarbonising key services and investing in climate adaptation measures, while at the same time supporting economic productivity through projects, policy and legislation. Getting infrastructure right, and investing in it accordingly, can create the foundations for better rural and urban communities."
Already, in the coming months, rail services on the island are to be developed towards the Report’s vision. This includes an increase to an hourly train service between Dublin and Belfast, and additional services between Dublin and Galway, while procurement has also started on a new, faster, more sustainable "Enterprise" train fleet for the Dublin-Belfast route.
Moreover, assisted by the European Investment Bank (EIB) Advisory Services, the Department of Transport and DfI, and agencies north and south, are working to progress the Report’s recommendations in the years ahead, maintaining momentum. This includes a more detailed identification of rail priorities to pursue over the next decade. Progress in following-up on the Rail Review will be reported on as appropriate through the North South Ministerial Council.
