Infrastructure Minister has highlighted the importance
of working collaboratively to ensure that transport delivers for
people across Ireland.
Speaking at the 19th annual Transport Ireland Conference, held at
Croke Park in Dublin, Minister Kimmins said: “I am delighted to
attend this important conference which brings together those
shaping the future of transport, connectivity, and infrastructure
across our island. Transport must work for everyone. It must
enable people to access jobs, education, healthcare, and
essential services, regardless of where they live or their
circumstances.
“Collaborative working is key, and I know we all have a desire to
see work begin on the A5 Western Transport Corridor. The scheme
will improve our connectivity, which will in turn bring
significant economic and safety benefits and, for those reasons,
I am determined to see the road built.
“I am also keen to progress further junction safety improvements
along the A1 but, in common with the A5, we must await the
outworkings of the current legal proceedings before taking these
forward. In the meantime, however, I was pleased to announce a
£1million major resurfacing scheme for this main arterial route,
which carries thousands of vehicles per day, including many
cross-border travellers.
“In terms of public transport, we are already making
transformative joint investment across the island, particularly
along the Belfast to Dublin rail corridor. The increase in
frequency of the Belfast-Dublin Enterprise service has seen a
substantial growth in passenger numbers and has made rail a far
more convenient option for commuting between Belfast and
Dublin. The recent announcement of £548m for a major
upgrade of the Enterprise train fleet which includes around £200
million from my Department will deliver a transformed
cross-border rail service, with faster, more reliable journeys
while also supporting the decarbonisation of our transport
network. We are also progressing the outcomes of the
All-Island Strategic Rail Review, setting out a long-term vision
for improved connectivity, faster journeys, and a more
sustainable rail network.
“At the same time, we are increasing our focus on public
transport and active travel, recognising their central role in
building a more sustainable and inclusive transport system. This
ambition is reflected in the Active Travel Delivery Plan, which
is helping us invest in safer and more accessible infrastructure
for local journeys, while also improving integration with bus and
rail services. We are working with partners across the island to
deliver more sustainable and resilient transport. Cross‑border
greenways, such as the cross-border Carlingford Lough Greenway,
which was supported by Shared Island funding, are already
improving connectivity, tourism, and low‑carbon travel.”
The Minister also updated the conference on her Department's new
Transport Strategy, saying: “Transport sits at the heart of how
we live, work, and connect, and the decisions we take now will
have lasting consequences for our economy, our environment, and
our communities. That is why we are bringing forward a new
Transport Strategy, which is currently being finalised following
extensive public consultation and engagement across the North,
and is due for publication later this summer.
“It will set out a clear long-term vision for the future and
guide how we plan, invest in, and deliver transport in the years
ahead. The challenges are significant, but so too are the
opportunities. By working together, we can deliver a transport
system that is more sustainable, more connected, and better for
the people we serve.”
