New rail links between Derry, Tyrone and Donegal as well as to the North’s three airports are key proposals in a long-awaited all island review of Ireland’s railway network.
Commissioned in 2021 by then SDLP Infrastructure Minister, Nichola Mallon and the Republic’s Minister for the Environment, Eamon Ryan, publication of the review was delayed because of the collapse of Stormont. However, a draft report is expected to be published by the Irish government this month with a final report published on the return of the Northern Ireland Executive.
SDLP leader, Colum Eastwood has called for the recommendations of the review to be implemented as soon as possible.
In advance of the draft report’s publication, Mr Ryan said a key element would include a new railway line from the existing Dublin to Belfast route, through Dungannon, Omagh, Strabane, Letterkenny and onto Derry.
Speaking in New York after details of the report were published in The Irish Times, Mr Ryan said the review proposed rail links with City of Derry, Belfast International and George Best airports.
Central to the review would be a major change away from road travel to rail for passengers and freight. This would be further facilitated by an Atlantic railway spine, linking Ballina in the west to Rosslare as well as faster line speeds between Ireland’s key cities.
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The minister told “The Irish Times”: “You can’t do everything in Dublin. Dublin is going to get significant development in the Metro, Dart Plus and Bus Connects. If we don’t invest in the rest of the country, particularly in rail infrastructure, we would see an imbalance develop in the country.”
The review proposes a series of short, medium and long-term developments over 30 years. Mr Ryan acknowledged implementation of the plan would be extremely expensive. However, he suggested closed railway lines could be used.
“It would not be cheap because building new railway lines is expensive but from Omagh north, there was an old railway link and we need to look at that configuration and see if we can revitalise it,” he said.
Mr Eastwood said it was shameful that Counties Tyrone and Fermanagh did not have any railway links.
“We also need to see a greater focus on cross-border services, including rail services to our airports, if we are to truly realise the potential of our all-island economy and attract the jobs, investment and opportunities that will come with it.
“The outcomes of the review need to be ambitious; this is a real opportunity to transform the rail network on this island and we can’t afford to waste it,” the Derry MP said.
