Fast track rail project for the NW: Durkan

He said BIPA had recognised the views of more than 10,000 signatories to a North West railway petition which called on both governments to collaboratively examine the proposal and thus complete the island's railway grid.

"It is therefore vital that Conor Murphy takes action to help fast-track this process and deliver on the findings of Fine Gael TD Joe McHugh's comprehensive report on the North West Rail Link Campaign which he presented to conference," he commented.

The Donegal TD's report was described by the Foyle MP, MLA as "a very helpful contribution to the debate on the rail infrastructure deficit in the North West of our island."

He said he and other advocates of "ambitious planning and ramped-up spending" have outlined the kind of huge potential gains that an enhanced rail network would yield.

"It not only spells out the very real limitations of the current gaps, but describes the benefits that an infrastructure infill would bring across the north and west coasts of Ireland," he said.

"In particular, there is a clear economic development case alone for the linking of Letterkenny, Derry City and Coleraine to City of Derry Airport and Lisahally port, which should obviously best form part of a wider North Western rail loop joining Sligo to Derry.

"By offering local people and visitors alike an opportunity to contribute their observations and suggestions via a positive platform, this report has added to the strong case which our region has for major rail investment," said Mr Durkan.