Hourly rail service between major cities recommended

Trains should be at least hourly between Ireland's major cities, according to the draft report of the All Island Strategic Rail Review.

Transport Minister Eamon Ryan is bringing the details to Cabinet this morning, with 30 recommendations for the network, including higher speed trains and more electrification of the network.

It recommends hourly trains between the big cities and one at least every two hours between other urban centres.

The review suggests the restoration of a line from Derry to Portadown and on to Letterkenny.

The report also recommends reinstating the Claremorris to Athenry line and the Antrim to Lisburn line, with a station at Belfast International Airport.