SDLP Opposition Infrastructure Spokesperson Mark H Durkan MLA questioned Minister Liz Kimmins on progress on all-island rail in the Assembly on Tuesday.
He was speaking after the Minister updated the Assembly on the recent North South Ministerial Council Transport Sectorial Meeting.
Mr Durkan questioned the scant mention of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review.
Foyle MLA Mr Durkan said: “I was shocked to hear few details on progressing all-island rail as the Minister updated the Assembly on her recent meeting today.
“One would have thought the All-Island Strategic Rail Review would be at the centre of such a meeting, instead of reduced to a few words in passing.
“While I accept that financial pressures facing the Executive may stop the acceleration of implementing the recommendations of the rail review, the least the Minister should be doing is working with her counterparts in the Irish Government to ensure that work is ready to begin as soon as funding becomes available.
“The rail review has the potential to be transformative for towns and cities right across our island, bringing places closer together, supporting regional economies and attracting jobs and investment to areas that have been traditionally left behind.
“It’s disappointing that the Minister did not take this opportunity to progress these plans.”
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