The All-Island Strategic Rail Review has been delayed by the lack of government at Stormont, we can reveal.
Over 100 years ago, Ireland had an enviable rail network that brought trains to towns and cities across the island.
But it has largely diminished since partition with much of the island’s northwest and NI left without any rail connections.
Read more: Thousands take part in 'long overdue' rail consultation
A consultation on rail connectivity across the island of Ireland was launched in November 2021 by former Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon and Ireland’s Transport Minister Eamon Ryan.
It aimed to deliver “an evidence-informed approach to delivering low carbon rail services and building a more resilient network to support sustainable growth across the island of Ireland”.
We revealed in May 2022 that 7,000 people took part in the ‘long overdue’ work to establish public opinion on our railways.
A full report on the All-Island Strategic Rail Review and subsequent public consultation was expected by the end of last year.
We recently asked Eamon Ryan what the hold-up was. He said: “When are we going to get the Northern Assembly back?”
A spokesperson for Ireland’s Department of Transport subsequently told us: “The All-Island Strategic Rail Review was jointly commissioned by the Department of Transport and the Department for Infrastructure.
“The two departments have collaborated closely throughout the Review and the Ministers of both Departments have met on a number of occasions to launch the Review, announce the public consultation and to review updates on the latest progress.
“A draft report has been provided to both Departments.
“The Review will be published after it has received appropriate Ministerial approval from both jurisdictions. And after the review is approved by both Ministers, an official launch will be held.”
We contacted all five Stormont parties to get their view on the situation.
A Sinn Féin spokesperson told us: “There is a review ongoing but it can’t be signed off without an Executive minister.”
Alliance Transport Spokesperson, Andrew Muir MLA, said: “It is not known what Ministerial instructions were left when Minister O’Dowd left office at the end of October. If publication of the Review without redaction was one of them, I would expect us to see the full proposals very soon.
“I cannot see any rational reason why publication could be blocked. What is, however, clear is that the report and recommendations will be going nowhere fast without a restored Executive and budget crisis resolved.
“The decision by Minister O’Dowd, on the day he left office, asking officials to explore funding opportunities for feasibility studies on a number of areas was very welcome, but with Departments living hand to mouth financially I sadly can’t see the much needed and vitally important work leaving the station. We need Ministers in office, an Executive back on track and budgetary signals turned to green to drive forward the report recommendations at high speed.”
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