The Government of the Canary Islands, alongside the State and the Cabildos of Tenerife and Gran Canaria, convened yesterday to agree on the signing of a protocol that ensures the advancement of train projects on the two capital islands. “This meeting represents a historic milestone for the progression of rail systems in Tenerife and Gran Canaria, solidifying a robust commitment from the State towards these strategic infrastructures. We have never been closer to guaranteeing the funding and recognising the general interest surrounding projects that will be pivotal in developing a modern and sustainable transport model for our islands,” stated Rosa Dávila, the president of the Cabildo de Tenerife.
The island leader noted that this meeting is the product of “a year of extensive technical and coordination efforts” among the different administrations. “The conclusion of this process positions us on the brink of signing a collaborative protocol, which will form the foundation for the financing of railways in Tenerife and Gran Canaria. This document is more than just an expression of intent; it is the initial tangible step towards the realisation of these infrastructures.”
In alignment with this, the Regional Minister of Public Works, Housing and Mobility, Pablo Rodríguez, emphasised that “for the first time, the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility is clearly and decisively backing these railway infrastructures.” He added, “This protocol, which we hope to finalise before the end of March, presents an opportunity to establish a roadmap agreed upon by all parties, signifying a public and political commitment from the Ministry that this network is indeed of common and strategic interest to all administrations.” Rodríguez also remarked that, after the signing of this protocol, “there lies the opportunity to embed in state legislation the funds and mechanisms required to formalise the agreement with the State, ensuring financing for the trains of Gran Canaria and Tenerife.”
Furthermore, José Antonio Santano, the Secretary of State for Transport and Sustainable Mobility, conveyed “our willingness to persist in our efforts and making sustainable mobility across the two islands a reality.” He expressed, “We believe that this protocol is the appropriate tool to define the objectives, priorities, and the methodology we will employ in the development of these two strategic projects.”
Meanwhile, Antonio Morales, the president of the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, highlighted that “we are moving closer to realising our aspirations for each of the islands, but it is essential that we progress with this protocol, which underpins the two agreements with each of the councils to bring this proposal to fruition.”
The president of the Cabildo de Tenerife additionally remarked that “one of the crucial points agreed upon in the meeting is that the financing will be structured via a multi-year agreement spanning a 10-year timeframe, extendable to 17 years, ensuring economic stability and enabling a realistic and sustained approach to project planning.” Dávila noted that “another significant advancement has been the commitment to work towards incorporating Canarian rail systems into the trans-European transport network. This inclusion would provide access to specific European funding for outermost regions, potentially covering up to 70% of infrastructure costs.” She emphasised the importance of having these infrastructures recognised as being of strategic general interest within state legislation.
In Tenerife, she stated, “we possess an approved construction project and territorial planning, and we are currently updating the Environmental Impact Declaration, which will expedite timelines and facilitate the implementation of a rail system tailored to the Island’s needs,” referring specifically to the South Train.
