Press Release
17^th October 2005

Rail Powers Transfer Give Gourock Redevelopment a Boost
Today’s transfer of new rail powers to Scottish Ministers is good news for the redevelopment of Gourock, says MSP for Greenock and Inverclyde, Duncan McNeil.

He said:

“The creation of the new transport interchange at Gourock and the consequent regeneration of the waterfront is crucial for the town’s future.  These ambitious plans, however, have suffered in the past from a lack of co-ordination.  For a project as important as this to succeed, all the parties must be singing from the same hymn sheet.  So it’s good news that, from today, Scottish Ministers have the power to ensure that all the key players in the rail industry will be working together for the benefit of public.

“Despite the setbacks, despite the obstruction and the bickering, Ministers have remained enthusiastic for this project and, armed with their new powers, I am more confident they can now make it a reality.”

The powers will allow the devolved government of Scotland to:

• Determine the long term future for rail in Scotland;
• Manage and monitor the performance of the rail franchise, with sole responsibility for securing future franchise agreements ensuring services meet passengers needs
• Fund and control the tracks through Network Rail ensuring all parts of the rail system are joined up.

  ENDS

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