A public meeting has heard Fermanagh cannot afford to be a “backwater lacking in connectivity”.

There was a great sense of frustration of Fermanagh as a place left behind at the public meeting addressing the county’s absence from the draft All-Island Rail Review.

Organised by rail lobby group, Into the West, on Tuesday evening held a public meeting on the addressing Fermanagh’s absence from the proposed plans.

The meeting was addressed by Steve Bradley, Chairman of Into the West and Alan Devers, Head Hunters Museum.

Mr. Bradley told the room that Fermanagh and Omagh District Council which has one of the smaller populations “had the highest submission of people” as part of the consultation held throughout the island of Ireland.

Mr. Bradley also addressed the potential for rail freight to benefit local businesses including; Encirc, Balcas, Severfield and RTD Crawford, Lisbellaw stating: “Rail freight could reduce traffic, improve air quality and maximise economic benefits.”

Mr. Bradley called on Fermanagh and Omagh District Council to take on a role in lobbying for rail to return to Fermanagh stating that the Council need to ensure “rail features in key strategic documents.”

He also said plans need to be put in place for the future of railway infrastructure such as the plans made for where a railway station could go in Omagh, which is featured in the draft All-Island Rail Review.

“This needs every man, woman and child behind it,” he said.

Alan Devers warned that the exclusion of Fermanagh from the review will be felt for generations.

“It is our children and grandchildren who will suffer from this oversight. Fermanagh cannot afford to become a backwater lacking in connectivity,” he said.

Organisers and those present at the meeting are urging the public to respond to the consultation on the draft Rail Strategy which runs until Friday, September 29 at 11.59 pm. Responses can be sent to StrategicRailReview@arup.com