Transforming Rail Travel: Vision for Ireland and Northern Ireland by 2050
Key Ideas
  • Strategic recommendations aim to enhance and expand the rail system in Ireland and Northern Ireland by 2050, aligning with net carbon zero commitments.
  • Plans include upgrading rail networks, introducing faster intercity trains, increasing frequency of services, achieving decarbonization, and expanding reach and accessibility.
  • The project is estimated to cost around €37 billion and is deemed economically feasible with societal benefits outweighing the costs.
  • Rail envisioned as a green alternative for travel, with a focus on carbon-neutral operations and potential use of hydrogen trains in rural and regional areas.
The Department of Transport in Ireland and the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland have jointly published the Final Report of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review, outlining the vision for rail services in both countries until 2050. The report includes 32 strategic recommendations to enhance the rail system, focusing on aspects like increasing capacity, improving speed and frequency of services, achieving decarbonization, and expanding the reach of the network. By 2050, the plan aims to almost triple the number of people using the rail system annually. The total cost of the project is estimated at around €37 billion, with an economic appraisal suggesting that the benefits to society would justify the investment. Minister for Transport, Ireland, Eamon Ryan, emphasized the significance of this vision for rail, highlighting the cooperation between departments in both countries. The report envisions a carbon-neutral rail network, promoting rail as a green alternative to reduce road traffic and environmental impact. Intercity trainlines will be powered by overhead electrification, while rural and regional lines could potentially utilize battery-electric or hydrogen trains, showcasing a commitment to sustainable and innovative transportation solutions.
ADVANCEH2

Our vision is to be the world's leading online platform for advancing the use of hydrogen as a critical piece needed to deliver net-zero initiatives and the promise of a clean H2 energy future.

© 2024 AdvanceH2, LLC. All rights reserved.