To ask the Minister for Infrastructure when her Department plans to update the Railway Investment Prioritisation Strategy.

I have stated previously that I am ambitious for our rail network, and am keen to do all that I can to explore how we can progress rail improvements within the limited budgetary envelope that we have available to us. I want to ensure that any proposals for changes to the rail network include operational and financial viability and have a very clear focus on the part that rail can play in growing our all-island economy, while improving the ability of people to connect with and access opportunities and addressing longstanding regional imbalances.

The Railway Investment Prioritisation Strategy was published in 2014 by the then Minister for Regional Development, Danny Kennedy MLA. It sought to identify ways to develop our rail network where there was the greatest potential for further passenger growth in preparation for a time when funding might become available. The Strategy set out a new vision for expanded rail access across the North and it is one I am keen to build on, even if a lack of funding still remains a major stumbling block in achieving our shared objectives.

My Department is currently bringing forward our Transport Plan for the Regional Strategic Transport Network (RSTNTP) and this will build on the principles set out in the Railway Investment Prioritisation Strategy. I am keen to examine how best to optimise the existing rail network through increased frequency of services and reduced journey times, whilst also looking at the practicalities of expanding the network. The Draft RSTNTP is scheduled for full public consultation in late 2021, and I am determined to use these Transport Plans to help power our Green Recovery.

The Strategic Rail Review which I launched earlier this month, will consider how the rail network on the island of Ireland can improve sustainable connectivity between major cities, enhance regional accessibility including to the North West and support balanced regional development. In addition, the Review will consider the feasibility of high-higher speeds on the network and whether there is a potential to increase use of the network for freight. The Strategy will set out a new vision for expanded rail access across the North and it is one I am keen to build on.