SDLP Opposition Infrastructure Spokesperson Mark H Durkan has said that the All Island Strategic Rail Review must only be the start of plans for better transport connections across Ireland.
He was speaking after the final recommendations were published on Wednesday.
Mr Durkan said that while the ambition of the review was welcome, areas like the North West and Enniskillen would still be underserved by the proposals.
Said the Foyle MLA: “The SDLP brought forward the All Island Strategic Rail Review while in government at Stormont and worked with our colleagues in the Irish Government, envisaging a plan that would change the face of rail travel right across our island.
“The recommendations published today would go a long way to improving connectivity for cities and towns right across Ireland, but there is still some work to do.
“Despite the clear ambition in these proposals, the North West on both sides of the border and places like Enniskillen will be disappointed that these proposals will mean a continued lack of rail provision in their area.
“The SDLP has repeatedly highlighted the need to ensure that no part of our island is left behind, both when bringing the rail review together and in our Assembly Opposition motion calling for a costed implementation plan.
“The benefits of this rail review are clear, they will bring our island closer together, making it easier for people to travel for work, socialising or holidays and will also create economic opportunities by establishing links with our airports and major cities.
“Improved public transport links are key in our attempts to combat the climate crisis and if we are ever going to get people to leave their cars and other vehicles at home then we need to get serious and invest in a modern public transport network, of which these new rail links will be a crucial element.
“Like everything in the North these exciting plans will be jeopardised by the perilous state of our public finances.
“Given the struggles that the Department for Infrastructure are having in delivering existing projects and the slippage we’ve already seen on the Derry-Coleraine rail improvement scheme, it is hard to see them delivering something on this scale.
“I would urge DfI to work with their colleagues in the Irish and British governments and to do everything possible to deliver these plans that will change the way people travel in Ireland for generations to come.”
