Local politicians have called on the people of Fermanagh to have their say in the All-Island Strategic Rail Review public consultation.
The consultation opened on Monday, November 29 by Infrastructure Minister, Nichola Mallon and Irish Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan.
Sinn Féin MLA Jemma Dolan has urged people to make submissions and “remind the Minister of Infrastructure that this county is the only one in the north without one inch of railway line, motorway or dual carriageway”.
“Fermanagh, along with counties like Tyrone, Donegal, Cavan and Monaghan, which are without rail services and have suffered years of infrastructural deficit, must be prioritised in this review.
“Anyone interested in the future of rail in Fermanagh should respond to this.
“Rail can play an important role in Fermanagh residents’ quality of life, our economic activity and also the environment. If the Minister for Infrastructure truly believes in addressing regional imbalance and improving rural accessibility she must listen to the views of Fermanagh residents.
SDLP Erne West Councillor Adam Gannon has welcomed the announcement of the public consultation.
“This public consultation is an exciting opportunity for everyone to have their say on the future of rail provision across Ireland. 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 our island.
“The benefits of an overhaul of our current railway network are clear, it would allow us to address the regional imbalances that exist across the island, making our communities better connected and making rail a real option for people who regularly travel for work, to visit friends and family and to socialise. It would also bring a boost for our economy, with poor public transport links regularly cited as a reason for the lack of investment outside our population centres.
“More public transport options would also take more cars off our roads, which is a key part of plans to tackle the climate crisis.”
You can take part in the All-Island Strategic Rail Review consultation through the following link: https://strategicrailreview.com/feedback/
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