Kennedy brings forward relay of Londonderry Rail Link

Transport Minister Danny Kennedy today announced his plans to bring forward the start of the relay for the Coleraine to Londonderry rail link.
~ Thursday, 6 October 2011

The Northern Ireland Executive endorsed £27million of funding for the rail relay to start in July 2012. Translink aims to complete the first phase of the relay, from Coleraine to Castlerock and from Eglinton to Londonderry, by April 2013. This work will require the line to be completely closed for approximately nine months.

The Minister said: “Today’s announcement secures the Londonderry to Coleraine rail line’s future. Rail services can operate eight trains per day for most of the City of Culture year. Importantly it sends out a clear message that the Executive is determined to ensure that opportunities arising from potential cultural, tourism and sporting events will be fully supported.’’

The completion of the first phase would allow eight return services a day until signalling work can start in 2014/15.

Danny Kennedy continued: “Translink will bring forward a phased upgrade of the Londonderry rail line which will start in July 2012. This is two years before the original plans set out in this budget period and in time for the major events planned for the City of Culture 2013.”

The upgrade will be completed in three phases starting with the relay and essential bridge works, followed by the signalling work and the final phase will complete the passing loop and remaining bridge works.

Danny Kennedy added: “I have been able to manage expenditure from within my own Department’s capital budget to enable this phased option to proceed.

“I realise that there are other competing priorities for funding, not least capital investment needs within my own Department’s budget. However the case for investment in the Londonderry to Coleraine rail line is compelling.”

Further information on the phased project will be detailed in the Minister’s statement to the Assembly on Monday 10 October 2011.

Notes to editors:

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