Carlow Minister welcomes new recommendations to improve rail network

Minister for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform and Carlow-Kilkenny TD, Malcolm Noonan, has welcomed the All-Island Strategic Rail Review which contains several recommendations to improve the rail network in the Carlow-Kilkenny area. The report sets out a vision for Ireland’s rail network including upgrading and electrifying existing railway lines and reopening old railway lines in phases over the next 25 years.

“These recommendations would transform the rail service in our area and around the country. We’re taking public transport seriously and we’ve set out a detailed evidence-based vision for what measures need to be taken to expand the network, reduce journey times and make rail a viable choice for more people.”

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One of the major recommendations for the region is the addition of a second track between Kildare and Kilkenny. “The current single-track rail line restricts the frequency of services in the area. Double-tracking would allow Irish Rail to operate more services and remove the need for trains to wait for each other to pass.” said Minister Noonan.

The report also recommends speed upgrades of up to 200km/h on major intercity routes. “The section between Kildare and Dublin is also proposed to be upgraded to 200km/h which would have a huge impact on journey times for people in Carlow and Kilkenny”.

Minister Noonan continued: “The report also recommends positive changes in the wider region such as reopening the disused line from Waterford to Wexford and upgrading the line between Waterford and Limerick. These would greatly improve our connectivity with our neighbouring counties and provide a boost for regional development.”

Minister Noonan also stressed the importance of cross-party commitment to implementing these changes: “Working with our partners in Northern Ireland, we’re aiming to bring about a new age of rail in Ireland. It’s vital that all parties here and in the North remain committed to this plan and work to implement its recommendations to transform the rail network on this island.”