The ‘All-island’ review will place particular emphasis on achieving climate change objectives through rail service improvements along both existing or future potential corridors.

It will also consider the feasibility of faster line speeds, the potential to increase use of the network for freight, and seek to address regional imbalances with a focus on providing better accessibility to the north west by rail.

Northern Ireland’s Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon said rail has “massive untapped potential to deliver multiple benefits across our island” and added: “Since coming into office, I have been clear that it is my priority to address regional imbalance, tackle the climate crisis and better connect communities across Ireland.  

“Now, more than ever our citizens deserve ambition in government and we need to take this chance for change to build back better for all people across Ireland. This is an ambitious piece of work that will help inform our decision making and investment in our rail network for years to come.”

The governments will soon invite external consultants to tender to carry out the review, which is expected to take no longer than a year to complete.

The Republic of Ireland’s Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan said: “I’m a firm believer in the potential of rail in supporting social and economic development and the environmental sustainability of our transport system.

He added: “I’m particularly pleased that we’ll undertake this review on an all-island basis, working with our colleagues in the Northern Ireland Executive. The review will look at how rail can help better connect cities and regions across the island and will complement the investment we are already planning in our commuter rail networks.”

(Photograph: William Murphy and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence)