THE clickety-clack of train wheels at Beechvalley could soon herald a dramatic return to the track for Dungannon's rail service, if local councils and campaigners get their way.
District Councils in the west of the province have announced ambitious plans to re-establish the railway line from Portadown to Derry.
After decades of neglect and increasing traffic congestion, the re-opened railway line would transform travel we
st of the Bann.
Meetings have already taken place between Dungannon, Donegal, Derry, Omagh, Fermanagh and Craigavon Councils to discuss the £460 million proposal.
It is almost fifty years since the last train pulled into Dungannon train station. The town was once served by four different rail systems which stretched throughout Northern Ireland, into Derry, Co. Donegal and deep into southern Ireland
Devoted train enthusiasts have spent years campaigning for the return of rail to the town, but this is the first time that elected representatives and funding authorities are taking the proposal seriously.
Supporters say the railway line would improve travel times, reduce congestion, and open up the west of the province to tourism.
The councils have agreed to establish a Project Board and a steering group to advance the case of the railway line.
Dungannon council are due to appoint two councillors and one member of staff to the board which is due to hold its first meeting at Omagh council offices on December 10.
The ambitious plans are being spearheaded by Donegal County Council, which has already investigated the cost of a business case to consider rail links between Donegal and Dublin.
The council estimates the cost of the business plan at 200,000 Euros, and has asked local councils and other government departments to contribute.
The Minister for Regional Development, Conor Murphy has said that he would match any contributions made by local councils.
The councils are also organising a delegation to Brussels to promote the project at EU level next Spring.
