Derry’s inclusion in high speed rail study to address years of neglect, says Nichola Mallon

The matter was discussed with her counterpart in Dublin, Eamon Ryan, at the most recent meeting of the North/South Minister Council meeting in the transport sector.

“Importantly, we agreed that the high-speed rail feasibility study would be extended to Derry and Limerick.

“Minister Ryan and I took that decision because we recognise the fact that the north-west has, for too long, suffered from underinvestment, including in rail.

“We are both committed to addressing regional imbalance across the island by better connecting our communities and enhancing economic growth.

“That work and the study itself will be overseen by a high level steering group, comprising representatives from both Departments and transport authorities from both jurisdictions,” said the minister.

The feasibility study into high speed rail will look at connectivity from Derry – Belfast – Dublin – Limerick - Cork .

However, Foyle MLA Martina Anderson asked if there was any prospect of opening a western rail corridor through Donegal and Sligo.

“You talked in the statement about high-speed rail and the loss of European funding.

“Do you envisage having further conversations with Minister Ryan about the western arc to ensure that Derry, Letterkenny and Sligo are connected?

“You could hear from the debate in the Chamber that there was cross-party support for that,” said the Derry MLA.

Ms. Mallon said: “She will be aware of my commitment to and ambition for rail across our island. She will be aware that I have ring-fenced funding to ensure that we get phase 3 back on track with the feasibility study.

“I have made it clear that that work needs to be completed at pace. I am also working with Minister Ryan to ensure that Derry and the north-west will be included in the high-speed rail feasibility study.

“That is a commitment in ‘New Decade, New Approach’, and it was absolutely right that we extended it. I have welcomed the €500 million fund that has been set up for infrastructure projects, and I am happy to have further engagement with Minister Ryan to see what more we can do to enhance our rail offering across the island.”

Last week the Infrastructure Minister commissioned a feasibility study to consider half-hourly train services on the Derry to Belfast railway line.

Workmen busy on the Derry railway line last year.