Politicians all aboard for rail review recommendations
Politicians have given a thumbs up to the list of recommendations made in the All-Island Strategic Rail Review
Amongst the 32 recommendations made in the report are increasing the Dublin-Belfast service to hourly trains, and building a new direct line between Lisburn and Newry via Hillsborough, Dromore and Banbridge.
Newry and Armagh MP, Dáire Hughes, said the review “sets out a pathway to a greener, cleaner and more connected island”.
The Sinn Féin representative said: “The report outlines a number of key priorities, and I particularly welcome plans to reinstate the Portadown to Armagh line, with a view to progressing this further to reconnect this line to Cavan and Mullingar.
“Also, the proposal to build a new, direct line from Lisburn and Newry would be an economic driver for local workers and communities, cutting car dependency and journey times on the Belfast to Dublin corridor.
“This is an historic day and one which we now must see a real focus on to deliver first-class rail services right across the island, and to continue with the progression towards net zero.”
Newry & Armagh MLA Justin McNulty said: “The SDLP brought forward the All Island Strategic Rail Review while in government at Stormont and worked with our colleagues in the Irish Government, envisaging a plan that would change the face of rail travel right across our island. The recommendations published today would go a long way to improving connectivity for cities and towns right across Ireland, but there is still some work to do.
“There is some clear ambition in these proposals, including a new direct line between Newry and Lisburn, and restoration of the train line between Portadown and Armagh, and a rail link connecting our region with Cavan, Westmeath and the Midlands.
“The benefits of this rail review are clear, they will bring our island closer together, making it easier for people to travel for work, socialising or holidays and will also create economic opportunities by establishing links with our airports and major cities. Improved public transport links are key in our attempts to combat the climate crisis and if we are ever going to get people to leave their cars and other vehicles at home then we need to get serious and invest in a modern public transport network, of which these new rail links will be a crucial element.
“Like everything in the North, these exciting plans will be jeopardised by the perilous state of our public finances. Given the struggles that the Department for Infrastructure are having in delivering existing projects, it is hard to see them delivering something on this scale. I would urge DfI to work with their colleagues in the Irish and British governments and to do everything possible to deliver these plans that will change the way people travel in Ireland for generations to come.”