Development of an investment strategy for promotion of high speed rail in Ireland: an exercise in joint planning by two national railways

摘要

In common with all European countries, the retention of a railway system in Ireland reflects acceptance, whether implicit or explicit, that the economic and social benefits which its availability generates outweighs the 'price' paid by government in terms of subventions. However, there is increasing pressure to reduce the call on the public purse in most states in Europe and in a real sense for railways to demonstrate greater value for money. In order to improve their competitiveness and demonstrate greater value for money with respect to the Belfast-Dublin route, both railway administrations in Ireland came together in 1988/89 to draw up a development strategy for the improvement of their joint passenger and freight operations in line with the new initiative of the railways of the European Community for the development of a European high speed network. The recommendations of the joint study provided for a 50% increase in frequency and a 20 minute saving in journey time for passenger services (these would continue to be diesel powered), made possible by large scale track re-laying, signalling improvements and other infrastructure works. The latter also provide for improvements in the capacity of the route to accommodate changes in the dimensions of rail freight vehicles. The project currently being implemented is due for completion by late 1996. This paper includes 1. Consideration of the planning context in which the study was undertaken including the financial and economic frameworks in both parts of Ireland. 2. Procedures developed by the railways to enable the joint study to proceed. 3. An outline of selected aspects of the strategic planning stages involved in drawing up the development strategy. 4. Lessons to be drawn from this exercise in 'trans-frontier' planning for high speed rail development.