DUP infrastructure spokesperson, Deborah Erskine, has expressed her disappointment over County Fermanagh being excluded from the All-island Strategic Rail Review leaving it with no rail connectivity.

The Fermanagh & South Tyrone MLA described Fermanagh being excluded from the document as "very disappointing" as it could "be at least a decade before it could even be included within any type of forward planning". Erskine highlights that there is a need for significant infrastructure and cross border connectivity in the area as she plans to challenge the omittance.

In a statement, Deborah Erskine said: "The All-Island Strategic Rail Review is a significant publication which helps put forward a vision for rail transport within Northern Ireland and our cross-border connectivity. The fact that County Fermanagh was entirely omitted from the review was highlighted well in advance of this publication, but nothing has changed in the final document. Yet the final document itself admits that the omission of Fermanagh was one of the most mentioned issues highlighted in public consultation responses.


"This documents sets out a long-term vision which now sees Fermanagh excluded from that and it will be at least a decade before it could even be included within any type of forward planning. That is very disappointing, particularly for an area where there is a need for significant infrastructure improvements, and should be an important area for cross-border connectivity. I will be continuing to challenge this.

"Whilst there are omissions from the review it is important that we take forward the opportunities and ensure that our public transport provision, and particularly rail transport is improved for the everyone across Northern Ireland."