GILRUTH SECURES TRANSPORT MINISTER VISIT TO LEVEN TO DISCUSS RAIL LINK
Published date : 22 Sep 2018
GILRUTH SECURES TRANSPORT MINISTER VISIT TO LEVEN TO DISCUSS RAIL LINK
Leven MSP Jenny Gilruth has secured a visit by the new Scottish Government Transport Minister, Michael Matheson MSP, to witness first-hand the benefits a rail link would bring to the area.
Ms Gilruth previously secured a commitment from the Scottish Government to carry out a feasibility study following her members’ debate in Parliament last year.
Commenting, Jenny Gilruth MSP, said:
“Levenmouth remains the largest urban area in Scotland with no direct rail link.
“The Scottish Government’s 2018 programme for government commits to increase infrastructure spending by £1.5billion per year. I believe this increased investment must be used to support transformative transport projects – reinstating Leven’s Rail Link would bring jobs, tackle poverty & open up the East Neuk tourism trail.
“I am, therefore, delighted the new Transport Minister has agreed to meet with me in Leven – so he can see for himself the benefits that reinstating the rail link would bring to my constituency’.
In response to Jenny Gilruth’s question in Parliament this week, Transport Minister, Michael Matheson MSP, said:
“It has been a while since I have been in Leven, so I will have to take up that offer from Jenny Gilruth. I recognise the interest that she, too, has in the matter. I encourage all MSPs who have a collective interest in it to work in a co-operative fashion. I will certainly do what I can to make sure that we continue to make progress with the proposal.
“It is important that the proposal goes through the proper due process for making decisions on such matters. Any decision on investment in reopening a line or on investment in a new line has to be based on evidence that justifies that as the most appropriate way in which to help to improve transport connectivity in the area. That is the case for railways, roads and other transport investment.”
ENDS
Local Reporters, Glenrothes Gazette, Courier (Fife), TRANSPORT
