Massive cost tied to public service need

Rail plan

Northern Ireland's Minister for Infrastructure, James O’Dowd, with Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan.

The launch of a national review of rail options is bound to spark plenty of comment, particularly given the stated ambition of that review.

The final report of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review contains no fewer than 32 recommendations aimed at enhancing the network across the next quarter of a century, while also making train travel quicker and more environmentally friendly.