MEMBERS of the North West Regional Development Group (NWRDG) recently met with the Minister of State in the Irish Department of Transport to progress discussions in relation to improving rail connectivity to the North West.

The group is a partnership between Derry City and Strabane District Council and Donegal County Council, dedicated to positive cross-border cooperation on a range of key strategic issues including infrastructure, education and economic growth.

Members met with Sean Canney TD for a very constructive meeting, during which the group had the opportunity to highlight the importance of cross-border collaboration at a national and regional level to ensure that the recommendations of the All Island Strategic Rail Review to connect both Derry and Letterkenny to the existing rail network at Portadown were delivered.

The group also made the case for a review of rail links along the Atlantic Economic Corridor from Derry to Letterkenny, Sligo, Galway, Limerick and Cork.

Speaking after the meeting, chair of the NWRDG, Councillor Sandra Duffy, said: “I was delighted to lead the delegation and found discussions with the Minister very encouraging in terms of his acknowledgement of the importance of the review and what it could deliver in terms of the local economy, tourism and convenient, more sustainable travel across the country north and south.

“I really look forward to seeing further engagement between the two governments to move towards delivery of this vital project as soon as is possible.”

Members of the group were also greeted at Leinster House by Minister for State Charlie McConalogue TD and also took the chance to brief other Oireachtas Members on rail connectivity for the North West.