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Local political representatives are encourging the public to have their say on rail services and their connectivity throughout the island.
It follows the opening of a joint consultation on the All Island Strategic Rail Review by Nichola Mallon MLA, Minister for Infrastructure and Eamon Ryan T.D., Minister for Transport.
Major role to play
Newry and Armagh MLA Cathal Boylan is encouraging people to engage with the consultation.
“It’s clear that rail has a major role to play in our islands future for connecting communities and achieving green, sustainable transport. However, our current network leaves much to be desired with many areas being deprived of rail infrastructure entirely.
“In my own area for example, there is a huge appetite to see an Armagh rail link with Portadown." explained Boylan.
Boylan continued “This review will consider how the rail network on the island of Ireland can be enhanced to promote sustainable transport and address regional imbalance by improving connectivity.
“I would encourage people to engage with this consultation and have their say in how our rail network can be improved moving forward.”
Regional imbalances MLA Justin McNulty is also encouraged local people, stakeholders and businesses to have their say.
“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." said McNulty
The MLA continued “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. To that end, it is vital that as part of the rail-review we see the re-establishment of the Armagh-Portadown rail link, as well as a high-speed rail connection between Belfast & Dublin, with every train stopping in Newry."
McNulty believes that public transport options would also take more cars off our roads, a key part of plans to tackle the climate crisis and protect our environment. He concluded "I welcome SDLP Minister Mallon’s work on progressing this project so far and hope this public consultation marks the next step in making the revolution of our island’s rail network a reality. I know this an issue many people locally feel very passionate about, and so I am calling on everyone to submit their views and take part in this once-in-a-generation opportunity. I have contacted Newry, Mourne & Down District Council, Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon District Council, and the Newry Chamber of Commerce to encourage and support them in making submissions to the review, but perhaps the most critical component is the engagement and contributions that will come from working women and men who commute every day for work and would experience substantial practical benefits from enhanced rail links across our island."
You can have your say at WWW.INFRASTRUCTURE-NI.GOV.UK up until 5pm 21 January 2022.
