‘Without rail, Derry will once again lose out’- SF’s Martina Anderson

Various political representatives from Foyle discussed the issue tabled by Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson.

In her opening remarks to Assembly colleagues, Ms. Anderson spoke of the distinct lack of rail infrastructure in the North-West at present.

“Derry’s railway station is the second most isolated train station on the entire island of Ireland and it is only one of a pitiful three railway stations in the North-West, out of 53 railway stations in the North of Ireland,” she said.

The Sinn Féin MLA contrasted the current state of rail infrastructure in Foyle with that of the past. She said that, “over the last century, as the economic impact of partition has festered, Ireland’s rail infrastructure has rotted.”

Speaking on the need to develop rail infrastructure in Derry, Ms. Anderson said: “It will erode the devasting impact of partition and create a safe, clean and durable infrastructure for the people of Derry for many generations to come. If we are serious about developing a modern, thriving, all-Ireland economy, we must be equally serious about building a modern, durable, all-Ireland rail infrastructure network.”

The Foyle representative said that she had been initially impressed by the announcement from Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon of a feasibility study into high speed rail connectivity, including Derry. But, upon further investigation, she said she had discovered it was ‘not an announcement of a study but an announcement of a plan for a study.’ Ms. Anderson called for clarity from the Minister and called for the delivery of ‘the western arc, from Derry to Letterkenny to Sligo and to Galway.’

She also called for the upgrade of the Derry to Coleraine rail line to be delivered. “As the world looks to recover from COVID-19, the first thing that investors and businesses will see in our beautiful city of Derry is our infrastructure and connectivity. Without rail, Derry will once again lose out,” she added.

The SDLP’s Mark H. Durkan also spoke in the debate. Mr. Durkan said that: “A quick glance at a map detailing the rail network across the island shows the gaping hole in the north-west. That is a stark image that demonstrates, beyond question, the impact of historic neglect and, quite feasibly, deliberate disinvestment in rail in that area.”

Mr. Durkan also spoke of the growth in rail passenger numbers, citing a ‘61% increase in the two years since the hourly Belfast service was introduced in 2017.’ The Foyle MLA said that this is the fastest rate of passenger growth anywhere on the island.

“If we build it, they will come, and if we build it up further, even more will come,” he added.

DUP MLA Keith Buchanan, speaking on behalf of his party colleague Gary Middleton, underscored the importance of transport infrastructure for the economy, saying that ‘it has also proven to be effective in attracting investment into the North-West region’.

The adjournment debate came to a close with the Minister for Infrastructure, Nichola Mallon, responding that she had ‘listened with interest to the comments made and points raised by members.’

The Minister also told the Assembly that her Department had in recent years ‘invested over £100 million in major rail projects in the north-west.’

Ms. Mallon said she believed that ‘investment in rail was a necessity’ and ‘infrastructure is central to our recovery from Covid.’

Ms. Mallon also said that “It is true that the people of Derry and the north-west have waited for far too long for investment in rail … That has, understandably, led to a sincere feeling among people in the north-west that they have been left behind. That is why it is important that I assure Members that I will not be a Minister who leaves the north-west behind.”