By 
BY CONOR COYLE
c.coyle@ulsterherald.com
A MAJOR review of the railway network throughout the island of Ireland has been welcomed as a “positive step” for Tyrone.
While there has been no functioning railway stations in the county for more than half-a-century, campaigners believe this latest move, announced in a joint statement by the Department for Infrastructure and the Ministry of Transport in the Republic of Ireland, is a step in the right direction.
The review is examining ways of improving “sustainable connectivity” between major cities and enhancing regional accessibility, with the North West earmarked as a specific area to be looked at as part of it.
It will consider the feasibility of higher speed rail lines on the network and whether it can be used for freight.
The rail network in the North West of Ireland has been dormant for decades, with no functioning railway stations open in Tyrone since the 1960s.
There have been calls for the network to be revamped to improve accessibility in the region.
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon, of the SDLP, said, “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.
“This is an ambitious piece of work that will help inform our decision making and investment in our rail network for years to come.”
Sinn Féin MLA for West Tyrone Declan McAleer welcomed the decision to conduct a review, adding that the people of the North West had been left “stranded” by decades of under-development.
“The last train left Omagh in 1965 and since that time there has been a massive deficit West of the Bann,” Mr McAleer said.
“We as Sinn Féin will be making a strong and robust response to the consultation, but I certainly would like to see the railway coming back to Omagh and surrounding areas.
“This deficit needs to be redressed. A new and modernised rail system would be a game changer and would transform the North West of Ireland,” he added.
Paddy Hunter, from the Omagh Railway Heritage group, said the announcement of the review was a “positive step” but that action is needed following the review.
“It has become clear that there is a need to close the gaping hole in the North West of Ireland. This is a very positive step but something needs to be delivered.
“Money shouldn’t be an object for this, with the fact the government is talking about building a bridge between here and Scotland.
“This announcement opens up possibilities and the fact that the Minister recognises the disenfranchisement of the North West is a step in the right direction.”
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