Sinn Féin Senator and spokesperson on North-South Integration Niall Ó Donnghaile has given a cautious welcome to today’s announcement that Cabinet have agreed to carry out a feasibility plan into a high speed train between Belfast and Dublin, reducing travel time to one hour. 

Speaking in the Seanad this afternoon Seanadóir Ó Donnghaile said;

“The proposed high-speed rail link between Belfast and Dublin is a crucial piece of transport infrastructure. Many groups and organisations along the border-corridor have been working diligently and collaboratively to help deliver this project but government of course have the lead role in ensuring its delivery. 

“Reducing travel time to one hour is critical to developing jobs and investment along the Dublin to Belfast corridor.

“I call on government to now urgently convene the relevant stakeholders, including local councils, chambers of commerce, tourism agencies as well as political representatives, to discuss the necessary next steps on this matter. 

“Belfast City Council have already agreed to carry out a similar feasibility plan and it is crucial that all the relevant agencies work together to ensure the arrival on this necessary piece of infrastructure.

“Sinn Féin is working towards the restoration of the Assembly and Executive in the weeks ahead if a fair agreement can be reached and this project will be key to delivery.”