Nicola Grant Workers Party representative commenting on the new hourly Belfast to Dublin train service said we should now be planning for how to maximize Newry’s potential in the Belfast to Dublin rail boom.
Nicola said the Workers Party is calling for a detailed breakdown of passenger data to determine how many travelers are stopping in Newry and what effect this is having on the local economy.
We need to carefully examine the data to establish if passengers are using Newry as a key stop, or are they bypassing it in favor of Belfast or Dublin? With such a reported increase in rail travel, Newry could place itself in a significant position to capitalize on this trend. If more passengers were encouraged to stop and explore, it could create a major economic boost for local businesses, hospitality, and retail.
Nicola continued, imagine the potential if Newry had a state-of-the-art park, enhanced leisure facilities, and a strategic tourism plan to attract visitors. Investment in such infrastructure could transform Newry into a key destination rather than just a transit point.
She concluded the surge in rail usage presents an opportunity that must not be overlooked. It is for a focused inclusive decision on how Newry can fully benefit from this growing transport link and ensure that increased passenger numbers translates into local economic gains for Newry. The Workers Party is willing to play its part in those discussions and share our ideas and visions, are others willing to do so? Newry cannot afford to miss out on this much heralded opportunity. Now is the time to plan for Newry’s economic share in this transport upsurge.
ENDS
CLANRYE NEWS 