Trains to Cavan can become a reality - Smyth

Cavan has a great chance of seeing a rail connection brought to the county and opening up the entire border region, according to a local deputy.

However, Deputy Niamh Smyth says that the All-Island Rail Report needs to be “swiftly taken off the Minister for Transport’s desk” and immediately published.

The draft report on an expanded rail network has been completed but the absence of a Minister for Transport in the North, due to the ongoing suspension of the Stormont Assembly, has halted its publication.

“This report is something that could breathe new life into the Border region and put us firmly back on the agenda when it comes to rail transport. Contrary to popular perception, Cavan had a strong railway heritage with towns like Cavan, Killeshandra, Blacklion, Ballyhaise, Redhills, Cootehill and Kingscourt all linked to different routes,” she said.

Deputy Smyth believes Government approval for the extension of the rail line to Navan last month creates a “pathway for carriages to Cavan with an extension to Kingscourt” but says we need to “strike while the iron is hot”.

Heartened

She pressed this proposal with Irish Rail CEO Jim Meade at a special meeting in Leinster House last week and was “heartened” by his response.

“There is big funding being put behind rail projects in Ireland and it is crucial that Cavan gets its fair share of the pie when it comes to this.

“Railways are deemed climate smart helping to reduce our carbon footprint where private transport via motor vehicles dominate. The comfort and ease of train travel removes the drudgery of earl morning leaving to avoid traffic gridlock. It is the way forward,” said Deputy Smyth.