MEMBERS of Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Governance and Strategic Planning Committee today gave their endorsement to Council’s transformative vision for the future of rail on the island of Ireland.
The vision document is the Council’s Corporate response to the All Island Strategic Rail Review that is currently out for consultation and was presented to members of the Committee this week for review and approval.
In its corporate response, the Council calls for the Rail Review to recommend increased speed and frequency of rail services to and from Derry to Belfast, along with seamless onward connections to and from Dublin on the existing line, as well as a future direct connection to Dublin via Strabane and Omagh.
It calls for rail connections from Derry to Letterkenny and onwards to Sligo and the Galway Atlantic Corridor and for a suburban rail service serving Derry and the wider North West City Region to Letterkenny, Strabane, Coleraine etc, with halts at Eglinton and at the City of Derry Airport.
The Council in its response to the consultation highlighted the need for the provision of freight services to and from the city and Foyle Port and the other ports and cities on the island, and called for the installation of direct connections to halts/stations at both Belfast International Airport and Dublin Airport for any existing or future planned routes.
In its detailed response, the Council outlined the need for a commitment of funding and the implementation of a feasibility study into all of the investment proposal to address the infrastructural and connectivity deficit to Derry and the wider NW.
It stated that the review needs to consider the future potential of the City and Region to sustainably accommodate projected population growth, while in parallel delivering on its obligations to provide balanced regional development and climate change obligations.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Alderman Graham Warke said the review of Rail is timely.
He added that the Council’s feedback to the consultation is significantly important and reflective of the ongoing lobbying role the Council has along with its neighbouring Council partners in calling for improved and sustainable connectivity between the major cities on the island.
The Mayor said a key element of the Council’s response is to ensure that the review addresses decarbonisation in the transport sector through a low carbon society that focuses on improved connectivity to the North West region.
He said: “The rail issue is a hugely important one and something that we all have been campaigning for.
“We recognise the importance of rail connectivity and the need to enhance regional accessibility if we are to achieve our targets and ambitions set out in our City Deal and Strategic Growth Plan for a better future across our city region.
“The Rail Review offers an opportunity to enhance links between the main cities north and south of this island and improve rural development and connectivity as well as bring about the efficient movement of people, which in turn will bring about jobs and economic prosperity.”
The Chairperson of the Governance and Strategic Planning Committee Cllr Martin Reilly also welcomed the Council’s corporate response to the Rail Review.
He said that with continued collaboration with Donegal County Council and other Councils, Derry City and Strabane District Council recognises the importance of the Rail Review.
Cllr Reilly said the review presents a once in a lifetime opportunity to bring about balanced regional development and much needed investment in rail connectivity.
“It is essential that we nurture this unique opportunity to make a real difference to how we invest in rail infrastructure across the island to improve connectivity and accessibility and see major investment that will link in to our international gateways and also look at the development of rail freight opportunities.
“As a City and region we are working to address the inequalities of the past and to overcome the legacy of underinvestment and believe that an efficient rail system will go some way towards allowing our region to grow and prosper.” he commented.
John Kelpie Chief Executive with Derry City and Strabane District Council said investment in rail and all modes of transport are an integral part of the Council’s ambitious and transformative vision for the city region’s future.
“The Council continues to be proactive in clearly setting out its goals and objectives for the future by ensuring rail investment and connectivity is at the heart of all our strategic planning and policies.
“We are currently advancing and delivering ambitious growth proposals through our City Deal agreement and are of the firm belief that significantly improved efficient and direct connectivity for people and freight to and from Derry and the wider North West region to other key cities, ports and airports on this island is an essential step in our transformational journey.
“The Council also recognises the importance of connectivity and accessibility particularly in our rural communities and the impact this can have on the quality of life of our citizens and our local environment and place-making.”
He concluded that he hoped the Rail Review will consider in detail the Council’s position and avail of this unique opportunity to transform the future of rail across the island.
To read the report document in full click here: https://bit.ly/3rhn3du
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