Consultation launched on rail links across Ireland

A CONSULTATION has been launched to allow people to have their say on the future of rail links across the whole of Ireland, including extending the tracks to Tyrone. 

The joint initiative between the Executive and Irish government will seek to gain “insights from interested stakeholders and the wider public”.

Nichola Mallon, the North’s Infrastructure Minister, said, “Since coming into office, I have been clear that it is my priority to address regional imbalance, tackle the climate crisis and better connect communities across Ireland.  I have huge ambitions for our all-island rail network and I believe it has massive untapped potential to deliver multiple benefits across our island.

“The All-Island Strategic Rail Review will allow us to consider our network across this island to view how we can improve it for everyone.  I am delighted today, along with my colleague in the South, Minister Eamon Ryan, to launch a public consultation to seek views from communities and stakeholders across this island on their vision for our rail network.”

Eamon Ryan added, “We want to hear people’s views on how rail can support social and economic development across the island, enhance regional accessibility and improve connectivity between our major cities.”

Part of the regional inequities that the review may examine is the lack of rail links in much of Ireland’s north-west.

West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCorssan welcomed the “exciting opportunity” the review gives for people to have their say.

“This island once had a thriving railway network and since coming into office, SDLP Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has committed to exploring an expanded railway network, which has the potential to be transformative for communities across Tyrone,” he said.

The MLA said an expanded rail network would “address the regional imbalances that exist across the island”.

He added, “More public transport options would also take more cars off our roads, which is a key part of plans to tackle the climate crisis and protect our environment.

“I know this an issue many people in Strabane and Omagh feel very passionate about and would urge them not to miss this unique opportunity to give their view.”

For more information on how to participate, and to read the policy objectives which frame the review, click here.