Study into north west rail link

The study will examine the economic impact of the railway line

The Department of Regional Development is examining the possibility of reopening the railway line between Londonderry and Sligo.

The study will consider the long-term social, physical and economic impact of redeveloping the railway.

Its findings will be presented to the North-South Ministerial Council.

"At that stage consideration will be given into improved public transport links with Donegal," a DRD spokesman said.

Sinn Féin assembly member Raymond McCartney said redeveloping the railway line was important for the north west.

"It is now imperative that the government weighs in on this project with a sound commitment to the delivery of a rail network," the Foyle representative said.