Éamon Ó Cuív presses for North-South rail strategy publication
Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tanaiste to confirm that the joint North-South Rail Strategy would be published in draft form this month for environmental assessment and public comment. He also raised concerns about the Western Rail corridor, noting infrastructure deficits in the west and that a requested meeting with the Minister of Transport had not taken place.
Publication timeline
The Tanaiste said the Minister is working towards publishing the all-island North-South rail strategy despite the executive not being restored. The Tanaiste added they would consult the Minister before giving definitive confirmation on whether publication will occur this month.
Western Rail corridor concerns
Éamon Ó Cuív emphasised the lack of infrastructure in the west of Ireland and recalled that deputies had sought a meeting with the Minister of Transport on the Western Rail corridor which did not happen. The Tanaiste said that commitment had been communicated to the Minister and that the Minister appears well disposed to the proposal.
Opportunities for comment
The deputy sought assurance that the draft strategy would be available for environmental assessment and public comment and that deputies would have an opportunity to see and comment before finalisation. The Tanaiste acknowledged that expectation and said they would pursue the matter on the deputy's behalf.
Next steps and follow-up
The Tanaiste undertook to consult with the Minister of Transport and to follow up on both the publication timing of the North-South Rail Strategy and the requested meeting on the Western Rail corridor.
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Tanaiste, I was told previously that the North-South Rail Strategy was to be published this month in draft form and out for, I think it was environmentalist assessment and for public comment. I will also have to raise the issue with you that a number of us look for a meeting with Minister of Transport in relation to the Western Rail corridor some time back because, as you know, there are huge deficits in infrastructure in the west of Ireland, we never got that meeting. Can you confirm that the rail strategy will be published this month and that we will have some idea of what is in it and an opportunity to comment on it before it is finalised? Thank you Deputy, Minister please. First of all, I think the joint North-South between the then executive and the government in respect of the all-island rail strategy, and I understand the Minister is working towards publishing that notwithstanding the fact that the executive is not back up and restored. But I would like to consult with him just before giving you a definitive confirmation as to whether it will be this month or not. I am very conscious of your commitment to the Western Rail corridor and I have communicated that to the Minister along with other deputies who are concerned and very anxious that that would get the green light. And my understanding is that the Minister is well disposed, but again I would pursue both issues on your behalf. Thank you very much.
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