Londonderry union summit backs calls for British-Irish rail interconnector

It has also supported the union’s call to bring the local energy sector back into local ownership and for the electrification of the railways.

Jimmy Kelly, Ireland Secretary of Unite said: “We sought the return of the energy sector to local ownership and accountability in order to lower energy supply costs which are currently crippling our manufacturers.

“We demanded investment in the Green Economy targeted on opportunities for wind, wave and tidal generating capacity. We called on the Northern Ireland Executive to extend the rail network, electrify the system and bring forward plans for a British-Irish rail interconnector within a twenty-year timeframe.

“These proposals would help address high energy and freight costs, and safeguard jobs in Manufacturing by positioning Northern Ireland for the increasingly challenging and competitive global economy of the Twentieth First Century.

“Conference today has sent out a resounding demand that Northern Ireland’s political leadership step up to the plate and show real ambition for our economy and workers.”