Hundreds of readers have shared their views with this newspaper about the just concluded All-Island Strategic Rail Review public consultation, with people across Fermanagh and beyond enthusiastically expressing their thoughts about possible rail services being developed.

Running for approximately two months before ending last on Friday, January 21, the public consultation process – launched by Infrastructure Minister, Nichola Mallon, and the Republic's Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan – encouraged people across the island of Ireland to share their views on rail links.

Ahead of the consultation deadline, The Impartial Reporter asked readers if they think there should be a rail service in Fermanagh, with more than 300 people sharing their views with this newspaper.

Of these, the majority said yes, firmly stating that they think there should indeed be a rail service reintroduced to the county, with Border railways having shut down some 60 years ago.

Mary-Ellen Moran believed that a rail service in Fermanagh would be "incredible in numerous ways".

She said: "It would attract people to live in Fermanagh, people could commute for work, [there would be] less reliance on cars, more tourism, [it would be useful for] things like hospital appointments in Belfast etc.

"I hope they can make the case to justify the cost, as this would improve the quality of life for so many."

Diannah Gott commented: "Bring back the railways to Fermanagh. Think how many jobs and tourism would be attracted here if we had good infrastructure."

Mick O'Donnell believed that a rail service in Fermanagh would be beneficial in many ways, and questioned why it has taken so long for a public consultation process on the issue to take place.

He said: "With the extortionate price of hybrid/electric vehicles, the lack of charging infrastructure and the emphasis on a Greener stance on motoring, I can't see why this consultation has taken so long?

"An island linked with a network of rails powered by electricity is the only reasonable solution. Employment would be created, and also employment which at the moment is available already but is outside the scope of a daily commute, due to the poor quality of roads available, would become more accessible.

"I lived in London for years, and thought nothing of a 1.5-hour commute to work on the rail network. Let's get this done!"

Michael Martin said a rail service is a "long overdue addition to our transport system". He continued: "But we don't want just a passenger service, as freight is also important.

"The existing rail service does not carry any freight at all on its routes, and just think of how much congestion and pollution we would remove with a decent rail service.

"[I] just wonder if those landowners who took over the ground on which the tracks were laid will be impacted, as most took [the land of the former rail lines] over by the now defunct Squatters Rights."

A spokesman for Headhunters Barber Shop and Railway Museum in Enniskillen said: "Future generations deserve a rail network to Fermanagh, and don't be fooled by the spin, 'it is not economically viable to have rail connectivity to the West'.

"Most public services are not economically viable, but that does not mean that rural areas should not have them."

Janet Cassidy, who describes herself as a frequent visitor to Fermanagh, said: "Make it easier for tourists to get around. (We'll spend more money in more places.)"

However, some weren't convinced that a rail service would be utilised effectively if it was reintroduced to Fermanagh.

Ricky Dane questioned: "Why would they spend millions on a railway in Fermanagh for a half dozen people on it, and that a busy day?"

"Oh yes please," said Irene Kingston, striking a different outlook, adding: "But it won't work until people fall out of love with their cars – and there's no sign of that."