Chair’s statement on the All-Island Strategic Rail Review

The Department of Transport in Ireland and the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland published the Final Report of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review yesterday, 31 July 2024, which sets out a strategic vision for the development of the rail system across the island of Ireland up to 2050.

Commenting on the report, Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor John McClaughry, said:

“Both Enniskillen and Omagh have historical connections to the railway dating back to the mid-1800s. While I welcome that the recommendations include the restoration of the railway network to Omagh, I know that Councillors will be disappointed that Enniskillen has been excluded from the recommendations, making Co. Fermanagh the only county on the island of Ireland without a rail connection.

In recognising that the Fermanagh and Omagh district has an infrastructure deficit, the Council strongly lobbied for the inclusion of Enniskillen and Omagh in the review. The Council is committed to continuing to lobby for, and to support, appropriate infrastructure investment for the benefit of residents and the local economy.

At our next meeting, I will be suggesting to colleagues that the Council should seek a meeting with the Minister for Infrastructure to seek confirmation of the timescale for the commencement of works on the Omagh line and to emphasise the need for Fermanagh to be properly included in the rail network.”