Derry, Donegal, Tyrone rail links vital to prosperity

At one point, Derry had rail links from both banks of the Foyle in all directions, which ensured connectivity for the city and towns and villages across the region to the rest of this Ireland. Not so today.

Indeed, the sole remaining line to Belfast was also under threat not that long ago, and it was this which brought the ‘Into The West’ campaign to the fore.

Not only did this group of individuals from quite different backgrounds prove instrumental in saving the Derry line, they have kept the pressure on and helped secure a handsome new train station.

Into The West have also been vital in highlighting the startling and very obvious neglect in terms of rail provision across Derry, Donegal, Tyrone and Fermanagh, and in galvanising support for the expansion of the network to integrate these four little serviced north western counties into the rest of the rail system. They, and those who stand with them, are not asking for anything extraordinary or special. Just parity. And it is vital we get it.

That ‘levelling up’ argument dovetails well with the need for sustainability, with rail among the cleanest and most efficient public transport options, and the long term benefits – more employment options for people, trade, tourism and investment opportunities.

If our governments are serious about addressing inequality, then this is their opportunity to prove it.