Press Release

United voice to lobby Government on railway funding

Wednesday, 01 December 2004

The Civic Regeneration Forum held a joint meeting today with the Northern Corridor Group and representatives from a number of rail lobby groups to reiterate the message to Central Government that it must give a firm commitment towards sustaining the rail link to the North West.

Representatives from the Northern Corridor Group, the Into the West and Rail 21 railway lobby groups and Donegal County Council were united with the Civic Regeneration Forum in campaigning to Central Government to provide the funding required to continue services on the lesser used lines network and allow for the roll out of enhanced network wide services and strategic improvement programmes.

The Mayor, Councillor Gearoid O’hEara, who chaired the meeting, described it as “an extremely positive and constructive exercise.”

He commented: “The meeting provided representatives from seven local authorities, the business community, trade unions and Donegal County Council to present a strong united voice on this very important issue. There was a general consensus that we would not accept anything short of the level of funding required to bring the service and rail network on par with other parts of the North. I was very impressed with the level of commitment shown by everyone attending today’s meeting and feel we have a very strong case to present to Central Government and are determined that the rail line will not be allowed to close.

“We intending making an approach to the Mayor of Belfast, Jim Ekin, seeking his support for our campaign. We feel that this collective approach to Central Government will force them to finally address the imbalance that has existed against the North West region for years.”

Ends

Further press information can be obtained by contacting the City Marketing Department at Derry City Council. Tel. 028 71 376504.

Notes to Editor:
· The Northern Corridor Group consists of seven local authorities – Derry, Ballymena, Ballymoney, Coleraine, Limavady, Antrim and Moyle.
· The Civic Regeneration Forum consists of representatives from the main political parties, Chamber of Commerce, business sector, education sector and community sector.

For additional information contact:

Press Office

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