Independent TD for Donegal, Thomas Pringle, said the Government’s All-Island Strategic Rail Review contains glaring omissions for Donegal, as he urged the public to take part in the public consultation on the subject.
Deputy Pringle said: “I’m very disappointed in the Government’s rail plan. The report doesn’t even mention Donegal town, and Letterkenny looks like it was put into the plan as an afterthought.
“And there is no proposed line between Letterkenny and Sligo, which I would say is another critical omission. By not linking Letterkenny with Sligo, this Government is missing huge opportunities for economic growth, environmental progress and commitment to Donegal and the north-west.
“It is vital for Donegal people to have a say on this very important subject, and I would urge the public to make submissions to the public consultation,” he said.
The deputy said members of the public can send their submissions to strategicrailreview@arup.com. The deadline for receipt of submissions is 11.59 pm, on Friday, September 29.
Deputy Pringle said: “Last November my Independent Group colleagues and I brought forward a motion that called on Government to develop a transformative new vision that would align with Ireland’s transport emissions reduction targets and provide sustainable and accessible public transport.
“We need a change for all of Ireland, and this report lacks the larger vision that would properly address the north-west, and Donegal in particular. We should be looking at providing rail service for the region in order to move people away from the use of cars.
“We have to aim high to properly address the crucial transport and climate issues we face,” he said.
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