Railway ‘may be vital for small towns’

THE re-opening of some disused railway lines could be a key to the future of many small towns in the West of Ireland, according to a report published today.

As well as Knock Airport, the railways could play a major part in the growth of essential infrastructure, according the Western Development Commission (WDC) report which profiles 20 towns as locations for investment.

With more than 75% of the population of the western region living in towns of less than 5,000, the WDC highlights the need to bring inward investment to smaller towns as a means of improving the region’s economy.