Donegal residents are being urged to add their voices to the Strategic Rail Review for the North West.
Donegal Fianna Fáil Senator Niall Blaney said the review is a real opportunity for the people of all the north west to bring back rail connectivity.
He said, “The strategic review of the rail network on the island of Ireland will examine improving sustainable connectivity to the major cities, enhancing regional accessibility, including the north west, which is very significant for us in the north west, and supporting balanced regional development while considering the potential to increase rail freight.
“The strategic rail review reflects an Irish Government commitment under the New Decade, New Approach agreement. It also recognises the will and input of the shared island unit and the Taoiseach’s desire to have rail connectivity in the north west. This is something I have been engaging with both the Taoiseach and the Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan on and I would like to thank Minister McConalogue for his work on it at cabinet level. This project has also received positive engagement and direction from Minister Nichola Mallon and her SDLP colleagues.”
The Donegal Senator added, “I am asking those who are involved in that north west city status area of Donegal, Tyrone and Derry to take the time to look up the site for the rail review at strategicrailreview.com. Submissions have to be in by 21 January.
“This is for the first time providing a real opportunity for the people of all the north west to bring back rail connectivity with the potential for speed rail between Derry and Belfast. It is a great opportunity for an area that has lost rail since the middle of the last century. I ask communities, business people and individuals to make their submissions and help get this off the ground.”