Newry Chamber of Commerce & Trade has welcomed the announcement of a public consultation on the All Island Strategic Rail Review. We encourage our members to take part and give their submission to the review.
The public consultation was announced this week by Infrastructure Minister, Nichola Mallon MLA and Irish Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan TD.
The consultation has now opened and seeks to gain insights from the public and all organisations who will have important inputs to make on the best way to shape and develop the rail network across Ireland.
As we know improving connectivity is a key economic driver and rail links are important to both businesses and employees in the Greater Newry Area. Our strategic location on the Eastern Corridor and the rail link between Belfast and Dublin, stopping in Newry, is a key asset.
The Review, which was launched in April 2021, is considering how the rail network on the island of Ireland can improve to promote sustainable connectivity into, and between, the major cities, enhance regional accessibility and support balanced regional development.
The Review is looking at how the railways are used, how they could be used in future and how the network can evolve to serve the people on the island of Ireland and achieve policy goals.
In addition, the Review is considering the feasibility of high (above 200km/h) / higher (up to 200km/h) speeds on the network and whether there is potential to increase use of the network for freight.
The Review’s focus is not on commuter rail services within the major cities, but is considering the interactions between proposed improvements to inter-urban rail and existing, or proposed, commuter rail services.
Interested members of the public, businesses and stakeholders are invited to share their view through this public consultation.
View All Island Strategic Rail Review Overview HERE.
View All Island Strategic Rail Review Consultation Document HERE.
Make submissions to the All Island Rail Review HERE.