€37 Billion Rail Revamp: All-Island Strategic Review Unveils Ambitious Plan for New Routes and Enhanced Connectivity
Councillor Dolores Minogue Criticizes Rail Review Over Exclusion of Dunleer Station
In response to the recently unveiled All-Island Strategic Rail Review, Ardee Mid Louth Councillor Dolores Minogue has voiced strong objections regarding the exclusion of Dunleer railway station from the ambitious plan.
Speaking to the Ardee Post, Councillor Dolores Minogue acknowledged the overall positive impact of the €37 billion rail overhaul but expressed disappointment over Dunleer’s omission. “While I welcome this announcement and its potential benefits for the country, as an active councillor who has consistently advocated for the reopening of Dunleer railway, I believe it is a significant missed opportunity not to include Dunleer in this review,” Minogue stated.
She emphasized that reopening Dunleer station would be a transformative development for the people of Ardee, Mid Louth, and the surrounding areas. “It would facilitate travel to work, college, hospital appointments, and day trips, significantly benefiting our community and boosting the local economy,” she added.
The councillor remains hopeful that there is still an opportunity to amend the review and incorporate Dunleer into the broader railway plans.
€37 Billion Rail Revamp: All-Island Strategic Review Unveils Ambitious Plan for New Routes and Enhanced Connectivity
In a groundbreaking move for Ireland’s transportation infrastructure, the All-Island Strategic Rail Review has unveiled a €37 billion plan to overhaul the railway network. This extensive review proposes 32 recommendations designed to modernize and expand rail services across the island over the next 25 years, with a focus on faster, more environmentally friendly travel.
Key highlights from the report include the restoration of several crucial lines, such as the Portadown-Mullingar route and the Derry-Portadown connection, alongside new routes like the Lisburn-Newry line and a central Dublin rail link. The plan also aims to connect Dublin, Shannon, and Belfast International airports directly to the rail network, enhancing access to these major hubs.
Despite the ambitious scope, some rural areas, such as Co Fermanagh and parts of Co Donegal, will not see their historic railways revived due to projected low passenger numbers. The review, commissioned under the 2020 New Decade, New Approach agreement, highlights both the potential economic benefits and the challenges of funding such a vast project.
Transport Minister Eamon Ryan and Stormont’s Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd, who jointly released the final report, emphasized the transformative impact of the plan. The report promises to reduce travel times significantly and increase service frequencies, potentially halving journey durations on some intercity routes with the introduction of new high-speed trains.
However, not all voices are satisfied. Ardee Mid Louth Councillor Aidan McKenna expressed disappointment that the Dunleer railway station was not included in the review’s scope, advocating for its reinstatement as a missed opportunity to boost local connectivity and economic growth.
As the plan moves forward, with some improvements expected to be implemented in the near term, the focus will be on ensuring the long-term vision is realized and that all communities, including those currently overlooked, have their voices heard in the ongoing discussions.
