Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
HOW DID RAILWAYS HIT THE BUFFERS?
» All-island review on track » Plan to improve network » Move is ‘game-changing’
THE lack of rail connections in Northern Ireland is to be considered in a “game-changing” strategic review for the entire island.
Stormont Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon and Eamon Ryan, the Irish government’s transport chief, said its aim is to explore opportunities to better connect communities and boost the economy.
The review, which was promised under the New Decade, New Approach deal, will be carried out by external consultants.
Ms Mallon added: “Travel by rail is an issue I am very passionate about and I believe it has massive untapped potential to deliver multiple benefits across our island.
“Since coming into office I have been clear it is my priority to address regional imbalance, tackle the climate crisis and better connect communities across Ireland.” The Strategic Rail Review will consider how the network on the island of Ireland can improve sustainable connectivity between major cities, enhance regional accessibility, including to the North-west, and support balanced regional development.
In addition, it will consider the feasibility of high-higher speeds on the network and whether there is potential to increase use of the network for freight.
In the early 1900s Ireland had an envious train network that spanned every county, but only the east of Northern Ireland is now connected by railways.
Ms Mallon 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.
“Building on our commitments in New Decade, New Approach to progress a spine of connectivity, this ambitious review, in partnership, will look at opportunities to enhance rail across our island. Now more than ever our citizens deserve ambition in government and we need to take this chance for change to build back better for all peoples across Ireland.
“This is an ambitious piece of work that will help inform our decisionmaking and investment in our rail network for years to come. It’s an exciting start of a journey many have been waiting for.”
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood described the review as “a real game-changer” with “proper ambition for all -Ireland rail infrastructure”.
He said: “Linking the North-west with the rest of the island is key to addressing our economic problems. We need jobs for our young people. To create jobs we need infrastructural development and university expansion.”
Mr Ryan added: “I’m a firm believer in the potential of rail in supporting social and economic development and the environmental sustainability of our transport system.
“This year is designated as the European Year of Rail and I’m delighted to launch this strategic review of rail here in Ireland.
“I’m particularly pleased that we’ll undertake this review on an all-island basis, working with our colleagues in the Northern Ireland Executive.
“The review will look at how rail can help better connect cities and regions across the island and will complement the investment we already plan in our commuter rail networks.”