Sinn Féin delegation meet North West Gateway Initiative to discuss infrastructure and development in region

Published: 21 September, 2006

Sinn Féin MP for West Tyrone Pat Doherty today led a party delegation including Bairbre de Brún MEP and Barry McElduff MLA to meet with the Joint Chairs of the North West Gateway Initiative.

The meeting took place in Strabane and was held to explore the remit, work plan and implementation framework of the Gateway Initiative. During the meeting the Sinn Féin delegation stressed the importance of active engagement with groups and individuals in the North West at all stages of the formation and implementation of future plans.

They also emphasized the need for formal ministerial meetings to drive the agenda forward in developing the North West area through active cross border work.

Speaking today Mr Doherty said:

"We raised the lack of road, rail and energy networks in the region. I specifically raised with the Department of Transport representative local demands for infrastructure and development around the N14/A5/N2 road route. I conveyed to him the outcome of my recent meetings in Strasbourg with the EU Transport Commissioner.

Ms de Brún said:

"Today's meeting was a positive engagement, and a commitment to future discussions was agreed. Officials also undertook to forward us further information in regards to this issue."