RAILWAYS in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland could be transformed by 2050 if a multi-billion plan published this summer is approved and implemented.
Compiled by Arup, the review was launched jointly in April 2021, by Northern Ireland’s then infrastructure minister Nicola Mallon MLA, and the Republic’s transport minister Eamon Ryan TD.
Published on July 25, the document lists ‘High Level Goals’ which would “contribute to decarbonisation, improve connectivity between major cities, enhance regional accessibility, stimulate economic activity and encourage sustainability”.
What could be achieved, according to Arup, is “a high quality, sustainable and integrated railway for passengers and goods across the island”. Full implementation of the review’s recommendations has been costed at today’s price of €27.6 billion (IE) and £7.7bn (NIR). It is envisaged that they would be carried out in three phases – short, medium and long-term within the 25-year period. Reopening of closed and mothballed lines, dualling of sections of single line, electrification, new environmentally friendly rolling stock, establishing new freight terminals and reopening closed yards, plus rail access to ports, are recommended.
125mph operation on major routes and increased speeds on
