Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has outlined her vision for a more connected and sustainable transport network across Ireland, emphasising cross-border collaboration while acknowledging that major road projects remain stalled by legal proceedings. Speaking at the 19th annual Transport Ireland Conference at Croke Park in Dublin, the Minister highlighted significant investments in rail and active travel, though questions remain over how the Department for Infrastructure intends to proceed with contested infrastructure schemes.
Cross-Border Collaboration and Major Road Projects
Minister Kimmins stressed the economic and safety benefits of the A5 Western Transport Corridor, a flagship project designed to improve connectivity in the west and strengthen North-South links. However, she conceded that work cannot begin until current legal challenges conclude.
The Minister said:
“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.”
While the Minister referenced “current legal proceedings,” she did not specify that the High Court ruled in June 2025 that the Department’s decision to proceed was “irrational” and breached Section 52 of the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022. The court found the Department failed to provide evidence demonstrating the road would align with climate targets, instead making “aspirational assumptions.”
Turning to the A1, the Minister announced immediate resurfacing works while admitting that longer-term safety upgrades face similar legal obstacles. She said:
“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.”
Rail Investment and Decarbonisation
The Minister highlighted transformative joint investment in the Belfast-Dublin rail corridor, noting that increased service frequency has already driven substantial passenger growth. She confirmed that a £548 million fleet upgrade—including approximately £200 million from her Department—will deliver faster, more reliable cross-border services while advancing decarbonisation.
Minister Kimmins said:
“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.”
The All-Island Strategic Rail Review, published in 2024, sets out 32 strategic recommendations to enhance the rail system across the island through to 2050, with an estimated cost of £17 billion. The Review proposes additional track capacity, electrification, increased speeds and new routes to align with net-zero carbon commitments in both jurisdictions.
Active Travel and Future Planning
The Minister emphasised the role of walking, cycling and integrated public transport in building a sustainable system, citing the Active Travel Delivery Plan and cross-border greenways as practical examples of progress.
She said:
“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 confirmed that a new Transport Strategy is nearing completion, though she offered only a vague timeline for publication. She said:
“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.”
Gaps and Unanswered Questions
While the Minister’s speech painted a picture of collaborative progress, significant gaps remain. The address omitted any direct reference to the High Court’s June 2025 ruling on the A5, raising fundamental questions about how the Department will satisfy climate legislation requirements while maintaining its commitment to the project. Additionally, no specific timeline was offered for A1 junction safety improvements, nor detail on what these works would entail.
The Active Travel Delivery Plan consultation closed in February 2025, yet the Minister did not indicate when the Department will publish its response or confirm how it will prioritise the 10-year investment programme. Similarly, the “later this summer” timeframe for the Transport Strategy leaves uncertainty about when concrete policy directions will emerge.
Key questions arising from the announcement include:
- How will the Department address the High Court’s finding that the A5 decision breached climate legislation while remaining committed to constructing the road?
- When will the Department publish its response to the Active Travel Delivery Plan consultation and outline specific funding allocations for walking and cycling infrastructure?
- What is the delivery timeline for the new Enterprise fleet, and when will passengers see the promised faster journey times?
- How will the new Transport Strategy reconcile major road-building ambitions with Northern Ireland’s legally binding net-zero carbon targets?
- What specific junction improvements are planned for the A1, and what legal barriers must be cleared before construction can begin?
The Minister’s emphasis on transport sitting “at the heart of how we live, work, and connect” underscores the high stakes of these decisions. As legal proceedings continue to delay major road projects, the coming months will reveal whether the Department can balance infrastructure ambitions with climate obligations and deliver the integrated transport system promised to communities across the North.