Longford cathaoirleach leads charge to re-open disused railway lines
Transport Minister Eamon Ryan is to to be pressed into exploring the prospect of re-opening a series of disused railway lines along the Dublin to Sligo routeway.
Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council Cllr Peggy Nolan said she was keen on securing the full backing of Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal local authorities with a view to strengthening those pleas to the Green Party leader over the coming weeks.
The Fine Gael local politician said the fiscal off-shoots for counties like Longford were endless.
“What it will do for tourism doesn't not need to be stated,” she said.
“It will certainly throw up economic benefit and it will certainly help the gridlock on our roads.”
Independent Cllr Gerry Warnock described the move as a “no brainer” but said he still harboured concerns about the future planned development of rural Ireland.
“You only have to look at the doubts that surround the N4 project,” he said.
“At the drop of a hat they (government) seem to be able shelve a key project such as that.
“There is all this talk about regional development, but as far as I can see, that is all it is.”