All-Island Strategic Rail Review Public Consultation for Strategic Environmental Assessment
Published on
Open for submissions from
Submissions closed
Last updated on
Published on
Open for submissions from
Submissions closed
Last updated on
Consultation is closed
The All-Island Strategic Rail Review (AISRR) has been jointly commissioned by the Department of Transport in Ireland and the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland. Once finalised, the review will inform the future development of the railway system across the island of Ireland to 2050, in line with net-zero emissions commitments in both jurisdictions. The departments have now published the draft report and supporting documentation as part of the public consultation requirements associated with Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA).
The All-Island Strategic Rail Review was launched in April 2021 by the Minister for Transport for the Irish Government and the Minister for Infrastructure for the Northern Irish Executive.
The AISRR aims to inform policy and future strategy for the railways in both jurisdictions on the island of Ireland. It has examined how the island’s railways are currently used, what role rail could play in the future and how the island’s railway could better serve the people of both jurisdictions. The AISRR has focused on how the rail network across the island could contribute to the decarbonisation of the island’s transport system, promote sustainable connectivity into and between major cities, enhance regional accessibility and support balanced regional development. 30 recommendations have been put forward to achieve these goals. To implement the recommendations of the draft AISRR, a range of projects/schemes would be required. Each of these will be subject to appropriate feasibility, options and environmental assessments at project level, where required.
As part of the preparation of the AISRR, and in accordance with the requirements of S.I. No. 435 of 2004, an environmental report is required to identify, describe and evaluate the likely significant effects on the environment of implementing the AISRR, and reasonable alternatives taking account of the objectives and the geographical scope of the AISRR.
Interested members of the public can send submissions to strategicrailreview@arup.com
The deadline for receipt of submissions as part of this public consultation is 11.59pm on Friday 29 September 2023.
Report of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review (English)
Report of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review (Irish)
Environmental Assessments
Background Papers
Respondents are advised that the department is subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2014, and the European Communities (Access to Information on the Environment) Regulations 2007- 2014, and Data Protection legislation.
Personal, confidential or commercially sensitive information should not be included in your submission, and it will be presumed that all information contained in your submission is releasable under the Freedom of Information Act 2014.
Responses will inform the finalisation of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review being undertaken by the appointed consultants, Arup, as well as any associated environmental monitoring and mitigation arrangements. It is anticipated that the final review will be published before the end of 2023.
Please note that submissions received may be made available on the Government’s website. All submissions received will be subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act and Data Protection legislation.
Please note that the Final Report of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review and related environmental documents are available here .