A groundbreaking new rail proposal could bring trains back to Donegal and neighbouring counties after years, promoting regional development. Here’s what’s in store.
In an ambitious move to enhance the transportation system and promote much-needed regional development across several counties, new rail plans could revive old rail lines which have been out of use for many years.
The visionary plans could once again connect the counties of Donegal, Monaghan, and Cavan to the national railway network, leaving residents beaming with hope and excitement.
Here’s all you need to know.
The revival of long lost train lines – big plans ahead
The forthcoming all-Ireland review, later this month, will focus on putting long-lost train lines to good use once again, and there is no better time for it.
The plan would reconnect the counties of Cavan, Donegal, and Monaghan to Ireland’s national railway network. Residents, some of whom have not had local access to trains for 60 years, welcome the plans.
Referring to the proposed train line as the “Atlantic railway spine”, minster for transport Eamon Ryan also outlined the plan to re-establish lines from Claremorris, Mayo, to Athenry, Galway, and Waterford to Rosslare, Wexford.
These exciting plans would see smooth freight transport across the country and to rural areas like never before.
One of the most exciting parts of the project is that this will put Donegal back into the Irish railway network for the first time since the 1960s.
An all-Ireland initiative – reconnecting the nation
Ryan has acknowledged the current imbalance of the Irish rail network, and the momentous plans are aimed at integrating the existing Dublin–Belfast line at Portadown, passing through Dungannon, Omagh, Strabane, Letterkenny, and Derry.
This will provide a vital public transport connection southward for the region.
“Those towns are not small, and Donegal needs a public transport connection south,” said Ryan. The visionary plan is considered a worthwhile investment into the country’s regional development after recent heavy focus on Dublin.
During the 50s and 60s, many of Ireland’s rail networks closed. Ireland has since depended on cars, but many welcome a revival of these lost railway lines.
What to expect – a thirty-year plan
While these plans won’t happen overnight, the nation should know what to expect regarding the big changes in transport.
The initiative, which will include short-, medium-, and long-term plans, will be implemented over a thirty-year period.
Ryan stated, “In our experience, it takes about ten years to get a bus lane through planning to development. It is taking 20 years to build rail lines. And that is too long. For everyone’s sake, we must start improving those timelines”.
Moreover, there are further plans for commuter rails, while Dublin will see substantial development with transport development such as Metro, Dart Plus, and Bus Connects.
This is excellent news for people across the country, who eagerly await the big changes that are about to come.
