SF group lobbies EU over north-west transport links
A Sinn Féin delegation has lobbied the EU Commissioner for Transport for a better road and rail infrastructure in the north-west.
The group took their campaign for a new motorway link from Dublin to the region to the highest level in Europe, meeting Jacques Barrot at the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
Pat Doherty MP, Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD, Donegal councillors Pearse Doherty and Padraig MacLochlainn, and Bairbre de Brun MEP, said their joint appeal for a major upgrading of the route had been advanced significantly.
“We outlined our case in detail presenting Commissioner Barrot with a map of the island of Ireland clearly outlining the gap in infrastructural development to and in the north-west,” said West Tyrone MP Pat Doherty.
“We also highlighted the social, economic, and political impact of partition on the region and the neglect of successive administrations North and South.
“The commissioner acknowledged the gap in infrastructure and was clearly convinced by the case made.
“He undertook to speak to the EU Commissioner for Regional Development, Danuta Hubner, and assured us that he will write to the relevant British and Irish ministers and invite them to consider a formal joint approach to the problem.”
