Developing a railway line between Derry and Donegal is part of the recommendations of the final report from the All-Island Strategic Rail Review.
The report was published in draft form in July 2023, with a consultation afterwards.
Among its recommendations was the restoration of the line from Londonderry to Portadown with a view to increasing North West connectivity.
The final version now contains 32 recommendations.
Among them are:
Developing a new rail link from Letterkenny in Co Donegal to Derry
Restoring a line between Derry and Portadown, linking the towns of Strabane, Omagh and Dungannon to the network.
Restoring a line linking Portadown with Mullingar in Co Westmeath. The line would pass through Armagh and Cavan.
Building a new direct line between Lisburn and Newry.
Connecting Dublin, Shannon and Belfast International airports to the rail network. Reinstating the Lisburn to Antrim line would enable Belfast International to be served by a rail link.
The plans also include commitments to continue investment in accessibility, refreshing the review every decade, and improved connectivity to the south east.
It is expected the recommendations would take up to 25 years to implement in full.
The North of Ireland will pay a quarter of the cost, estimated to be between £29bn (€35bn) and £31bn (€37bn) in 2023 terms.
The review focused on six goals:
Contributing to Decarbonisation;
Improving connectivity between the island’s major cities;
Enhancing rural and regional accessibility;
Encouraging sustainable mobility;
Fostering economic activity;
Achieving economic and financial feasibility.
The draft report was published in the absence of a Stormont minister, whose sign-off was required for the finalised recommendations.
Launching the final report today, Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd said it marked a “historic” day and provided an “excellent example” of collaboration on cross-border priorities.
“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.”
Irish Transport Minister, Eamon Ryan TD, reiterated the Irish government’s commitment to the review’s findings.
“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,” Mr Ryan said.
“This vision has been made possible by close cooperation between the departments and agencies north and south,” he said.
“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,” Mr Ryan added.
“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.”
The recommendations in the review will now be prioritised, with work already underway on some elements like an increased service between Belfast and Dublin and additional services between Dublin and Galway.
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