In April 2021 we commenced the all-island rail review to develop a strategy for the planning and provision of an enhanced rail network across the whole island of Ireland. Over two years later we still do not have the findings of that review, which have yet to be published. The Taoiseach will be aware that there was a recent and significant investment announcement in the town of Athenry, with a US company called Dexcom hoping to provide 1,500 jobs. There will be an urgent need for the development of new rail and active travel connections to Athenry from Oranmore, for example, and from Tuam. Neither of these developments can take place until the findings of this review are published. I urge the Taoiseach and the Minister for Transport, Deputy Eamon Ryan, to publish the strategy so we can move ahead to begin planning for a new future in sustainable and active travel to and from Athenry.

I thank Deputy Cannon for raising this question and I acknowledge his strong advocacy for improving rail services from Athenry into Galway and in Galway in general. I am advised that a draft report has been finalised by Arup, the consultants. It has been agreed at official level and it is expected that the draft will be published for the purposes of a strategic environmental assessment, SEA, in July. Following the consultation process, the finalised report will be submitted for appropriate political approval on both sides of the Border. This is, however, complicated by the absence of an Executive in Northern Ireland. Should there continue to be an absence of an Executive in Northern Ireland, approval will be considered, taking into account the decision-making framework set out in the UK's Northern Ireland (Ministers, Elections and Petitions of Concern) Act 2022, and it is expected that a final review will be published in autumn of next year.