THE OFFICIAL publication of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review has been hailed as a “vision for a new age of rail” across the island. However, the ‘Herald can confirm that despite passionate lobbying for the county to be included, Fermanagh will officially not be part of that new era.
Indeed, once the ambitious plan is realised, it will mean Fermanagh will be the only county of all 32 left without a railway line, with even ‘forgotten’ Donegal set to see the return of its trains.
Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd is officially launching the Rail Review this morning, following the publication of the draft review last year, which caused upset in Fermanagh and beyond after the county was left out. When that draft was put out to public consultation, the vast number of negative responses concerned the Fermanagh snub.
Speaking ahead of the launch, Minister O’Dowd said he himself was disappointed by the exclusion of Fermanagh from the review.
“I recognise that many will be disappointed by the omission of rail connections to Fermanagh, in particular Enniskillen,” he said. “I too am disappointed with this recommendation, as I am aware of the potential benefits that adequate transport and connectivity can bring to a region, by boosting local economies, creating jobs and prosperity.
“Following the consultation period last year, I asked the consultants to review this, but they concluded that a new railway line did not appear to stimulate sufficient demand to support a rail service within the time frame of the Review. I am committed to addressing regional imbalance whilst in office and I will continue to explore opportunities and possibilities to maximise this potential for Fermanagh.
“The development of the Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan and the Fermanagh and Omagh Transport Plans offer opportunities to consider the transport needs of the people of Fermanagh and how we best meet those needs. These new plans are being developed to cover the period up to 2035 and will review transport needs on a multi modal basis.
“These transport plans will incorporate active travel, public transport links, and new road networks, such as the A4 Enniskillen Bypass, which will begin to address the regional imbalance to the Fermanagh area. Thereby assisting an increase in tourism to the region, enhancing the case for rail to Fermanagh before, or during, the inbuilt review in 10 years’ time.”
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