Eamon Ryan gives his backing to Fine Gael's Joe McHugh during Communications meeting.
Green T.D. and Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Eamon Ryan, has backed Fine Gael T.D Joe McHugh’s campaign to have a rail link re-introduced to Donegal.
The Minister was responding to a question from Communications and Energy committee member, Deputy Joe McHugh, who has recently set up an on-line petition to gather support for the campaign.
Insisting that he was very much in favour of the idea of a railway in the North-West, the Minister stated, “I think it would be great for us on a long term basis to start developing the idea of rail. I will work with the committee in terms of trying to convince my Government colleagues and others of the sense of such a long term proposal.”
Delighted with the response of the Minister, the Donegal North East T.D. said, “With the rail petition gathering pace in the North-West, it is a huge boost to receive backing from a member of the ministerial cabinet. I hope that the Minister can influence others at the table.”
The Minister then reiterated McHugh’s earlier comments by mentioning the positive effects rail would have on the environment, job creation and creating sustainable transport.
“In terms of the environment, transport is an area where very serious questions must be asked. Rail transport is a major part of that.”
When asked about recent attacks from Sinn Fein in the local papers, the Donegal T.D. said, “I realise that I am not the first person to campaign for a rail link in Donegal. There have been numerous groups and numerous political parties who have brought this issue to the fore. I would be more than willing to meet with Sinn Fein and Fianna Fail locally to discuss how to bring the campaign forward. This is not about political point scoring but about bringing vital infrastructure to the North-West.
The Deputy concluded saying that he would welcome all party support for the campaign in Donegal. “The issue has been highlighted; it is in the minds of the people and now is the time for all politicians from all parties to get behind the project.”
Current Reviews: 1 Date: Thursday 31 January, 2008. 
