Elena Candia, the mayor of Lugo, and José Manuel Rey Varela, the mayor of Ferrol, met recently to discuss enhancing collaboration in tourism and culture, as well as improving railway connections between their cities.
The meeting took place on October 10, 2026, during the celebration of Ferrol Day, part of the San Froilán festivities. Candia expressed that the partnership with Ferrol should extend beyond formalities to include shared initiatives, particularly in tourism and culture. She stated, "We want this partnership to allow us to share experiences with Ferrol and give greater visibility to the cultural and heritage resources we have in both municipalities."
Candia highlighted the necessity of better railway communications to facilitate visitor access to the cultural offerings of both cities, which she believes is essential for their economic and social development. "Lugo and Ferrol have much to offer, but we need communications that allow us to be better connected," she emphasized.
During the discussion, she also addressed the status of Lugo's intermodal station, an infrastructure project that generated significant local anticipation. Despite expectations for its opening in June, no specific date has been provided, and the project remains incomplete. "The intermodal station sparked a lot of hope in Lugo. We are following the construction with the expectation that it would represent a real advancement in our communications, but months have passed, and we remain in the same situation," she remarked.
Candia asserted that a station should not merely be a building; it must translate into better services, increased frequency, and effective connections to high-speed rail. She called for clear information regarding timelines and planned railway improvements, as well as concrete commitments to meet the expectations generated by the project.
Ferrol's mayor, José Manuel Rey Varela, underscored the connection between the two cities and their potential to contribute to the progress of northern Galicia. "Both cities are destined to shape the advancement of northern Galicia, each with its own personality, history, and projection," he noted.
Rey Varela also highlighted shared challenges in transportation and urban growth, advocating for improvements in passenger and freight transport, and the need for a train service connecting Lugo and Ferrol. He reiterated the importance of advancements for Ferrol's intermodal station.
The meeting concluded with both mayors greeting the local residents present, many of whom had traveled from Ferrol to enjoy the festive day. Rey Varela extended an invitation to Candia to participate in the upcoming San Xiao celebration in January, and they exchanged institutional gifts.
