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IMPROVED sustainable intercity connectivity and enhanced regional accessibility are just two of the main aims of a new all-Ireland Strategic Rail Review announced by ministers on both sides of the border.

Northern Ireland Assembly Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon and the Republic’s Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan TD, launched the official procurement process on April 7, seeking industry experts and consultants to carry out the review.

The review will also seek ways to improve access to the regions and aid local development, consider the feasibility of higher speeds, and examine ways of encouraging more freight to move from road to rail in line with climate change objectives.

North West

Of particular note is the inclusion of the North West of Ireland in the review’s bid to improve regional accessibility, the region having lost its railway network more than 60 years ago and leaving a rail-free void between Sligo and Derry/ Londonderry.

According to the Department for Infrastructure’s announcement, the review will “consider the potential scope for improved rail services along the various existing or future potential corridors of the network, and will include consideration of high-level design and operational proposals for identified corridors as appropriate.”

Potential

“I’m a firm believer in the potential of rail in supporting social and economic development and the environmental sustainability of our transport system,” said Mr Ryan. “I’m delighted to launch this strategic review and I’m particularly pleased that we will undertake this review on an all-Ireland basis.

“The review will look at how rail can help better connect cities and regions, and will complement the investment we already plan in our commuter rail networks.”

A Request for Tender will be published in the Official Journal for European Union, seeking expressions of interest to conduct the Strategic Rail Review.

It is expected that a contract will be awarded by early summer.

The timeline for the study will be determined by the work programme submitted by tenderers, but should not take more than a year to complete.

JAY MONAGHAN With freight on the agenda of the Strategic Rail Review, 071 Class No. 077 heads the 09.15 Navan/ Alexandra Road (Boliden Terminal) to Dublin Port Tara Mines train on the approach to the Malahide estuary on March 2. The loco had only recently returned to traffic after more than a year at Inchicore works for overhaul.