20 New Trains on Track for Delivery in 2011

Transport Minister Conor Murphy, Translink and a Spanish rail manufacturer has officially signed a multi-million pound contract for 20 new Class 4000 (C4k) trains for operation on the rail network here.

The first of the 20 new trains is scheduled to be delivered in 2011 and introduced to passenger service by the end of that year. The final set will be in service by 2013.

The Minister said: “This is landmark occasion for railways in the North. The new trains will be used to increase capacity and frequency across the railways network and to replace all of the old trains still in operation on the network.

“The success of the previous 23 new trains has been evident and passengers have experienced increased service reliability, improved accessibility and overall quality of the railways experience. I look forward to this experience continuing with the new trains. Northern Ireland Railways will similarly feel the benefit of having 20 more modern and efficient Rolling Stock to plan their services.“

Commenting on the significant government funding, in this and other rail projects, Mr Murphy said: “Investment of over £105million in this project signifies my Department’s commitment to providing a modern, sustainable, safe transportation system which benefits all of our society, the economy and the environment, and which actively contributes to social inclusion and quality of life.

“In total, investment in rail projects by my Department in 2008/09 and over the next two years is £137million. This includes the purchase of the 20 new trains and a £12million project which is currently underway to extend the track life of the line between Ballymena and Coleraine.”

The Minister also received a tour of the Train Care Centre at Fortwilliam which was funded by the Department for Regional Development at a cost of £11.4million. The facility, operational since October 2005, plays a key role in keeping the existing 23 new trains in optimum condition for passengers.

Notes to Editors:

1. The Spanish Rail Manufacturer is Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF) and is based in Beasain and Zaragoza in northern Spain. CAF is one of the international market leaders in the design, manufacture, maintenance and supply of railway vehicles, equipment and components for railway systems.
2. Media queries to Emma Flynn Davies, Department for Regional Development, Press Office, Tel: 02890 540372. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.