SDLP Regional Development spokesperson John Dallat says the party will debate the development of rail links between the north west and the Republic at its annual conference.

A motion submitted by Mr Dallat will be debated by party delegates at the party’s annual conference in Armagh City Hotel on November 9-10.

Speaking in advance of the conference Mr Dallat said: "On a positive note, we welcome an increased awareness from Dublin-based parties on the need to work much harder at building cross-border co-operation as an absolute end to fulfilling the principles of the Good Friday Agreement.

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"Transport is key to any communications strategy and here the North West has fared poorly, especially in terms of rail transport. The capital investment simply hasn’t happened, indeed, it has been hard work to get the money to keep the existing network functioning.

"The section between Derry and Coleraine is currently under reconstruction after a fight to get the funding which disappeared under the watch of the previous Minister for Regional Development Conor Murphy. The section of rail between Antrim and Lisburn - which could enable a direct line to Dublin - is still mothballed with no date for re-opening. This too is totally unacceptable."

(CD/GK)