High-speed rail service could go from Cork to Derry, say ministers from both north and south

A HIGH SPEED rail service could go from Cork to Derry, Northern ministers said today.

Nichola Mallon in the North and Green Party leader Eamon Ryan agreed to move forward on a feasibility study.

The route would consider Derry-Belfast-Dublin-Limerick-Cork connectivity.

Stormont’s Minister of Infrastructure, Ms Mallon, said: “Improving connectivity on our island is key to providing better opportunities for communities, greening our infrastructure and improving our economy across the island.

“I am delighted that Minister Ryan and I share a passion for improving our island rail network and that we are committed to working together to achieve transformative projects that serve all of our communities.”

It was a commitment to the New Decade, New Focus that restored Stormont’s shared power this year.

Transport Minister Ryan said: “While the Belfast-Dublin-Limerick Junction-Cork line is recognized as the backbone of rail connectivity on the island, we must ensure that any speed review considers the network broader and, in particular, the connectivity with the North-West.

“This study will be one of the most important reviews of the island’s rail network in many years and will provide a framework for developing a greatly improved rail network in the years to come.”