Minister Canney addresses 300 delegates at All-Island Rail Summit in Belfast

Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, delivered the keynote address at the Railway Industry Association (RIA) All-Island Rail Summit at Titanic Belfast.

The sold-out event brought together over 300 delegates from across Ireland, Northern Ireland and Britain, including policymakers, operators and industry leaders, to discuss the future of rail across the island.

During the Summit, Minister Canney met with Northern Ireland Minister for Infrastructure, Liz Kimmins MLA, to discuss North-South cooperation on rail investment, road safety and wider transport priorities.

In his address, the Minister highlighted progress since the publication of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review in 2024 and the Rail Project Prioritisation Strategy in December 2025.

Speaking at the event, Minister Canney said: “The All-Island Strategic Rail Review represents a once in a generation opportunity to evaluate the needs and seize the benefits of an integrated rail network across and between all areas of this island.

The Rail Project Prioritisation Strategy sets out how we will sequence and deliver that vision – through early interventions to strengthen resilience and capacity, alongside major longer-term projects including electrification, capacity upgrades and key corridor reinstatements.”

The Minister also acknowledged the participation of Mary Considine, CEO of Iarnród Éireann, and Chris Conway, Group CEO of Translink, and welcomed continued collaboration between rail agencies North and South.

The Minister outlined progress on the DART+ Programme, the Enterprise Fleet Replacement Programme and the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme, as well as ongoing station upgrades nationwide.

The Summit, organised by the Railway Industry Association, will be repeated in Dublin in early 2027. Minister Canney acknowledged the contribution of RIA leadership and industry partners in delivering the event.

Concluding, he said: “Through sustained investment under the National Development Plan and close cooperation with our colleagues in Northern Ireland, we are delivering a modern rail network that supports regional development, connectivity and decarbonisation.”

ENDS

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