Derry to Letterkenny rail lobbyists urged to make representations during forthcoming Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan consultation

However, Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has warned that the Dublin government, which would have to pay for most of such a line, may not be favourably disposed.

The Minister pointed out that a Derry to Letterkenny link had been considered as part of Irish Rail’s 2030 Rail Network Strategy Review but it was not deemed feasible.

Foyle MLA Martina Anderson has now asked Ms. Mallon if she would commission a further feasibility study on improving rail services in the North West, which would include reconnecting the old Derry to Letterkenny and Derry to Strabane rail routes.

Ms. Mallon replied: “I am committed to improving connectivity, including all-island, for the benefit of our economy and communities across Northern Ireland.

“Our rail network, whilst relatively small, does present a unique opportunity in this regard and I am keen to see it enhanced across the island.”

The Minister cautioned that a viability assessment carried out by Irish Rail nearly ten years ago did consider reopening the cross-border line but found that it would not be economically justified.

“However, a feasibility study on a railway link between Derry and Letterkenny could not be taken forward without the agreement of the Irish Government as the majority of infrastructure and investment would be required in the South.

“I understand this was considered as part of Irish Rail’s 2030 Rail Network Strategy Review, and am advised it concluded that the creation of a new rail connection from Derry to Donegal was not economically viable,” she said.

Notwithstanding this the Infrastructure Minister encouraged interested parties to make their views known as part of an imminent consultation on transport strategy in the north.

“My Department is currently developing proposals for a new Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan (RSTNTP) which will set out the priorities for future development of the main road and rail networks up to 2035.

“The draft RSTNTP will be published for public consultation providing the opportunity for representations to be made for projects including proposals on extending the rail network,” said the Minister.

Recently Sinn Féin T.D. Eoin Ó Broin suggested that the Dublin government should consider developing a high speed railway line between Dublin and Derry that would also stop at Strabane and Letterkenny.

Once upon a time passengers could travel from Derry to Letterkenny and all the way to Burtonport on the old Londonderry and Lough Swilly Railway line. However, the advent of motorised road transport signalled the death knell for the service and the last train journey between Letterkenny and Derry was completed on August 8, 1953.