2014 still rail date

DUP MP George Robinson asked the Minister whether he intended bringing forward the date of 2014 for the relay of the Coleraine to Londonderry railway line, given that the new rolling stock will be in service from 2011.

Last October the Sentinel revealed the Londonderry to Coleraine railway line was due to close for improvements for a year from April 2012 leaving the city without a rail link for the first months of City of Culture 2013.

The Department of Regional Development (DRD) subsequently had a change of heart and in February announced the relay had slipped by at least a year because it couldn’t afford it until 2014/15 and due to the difficulties in getting the job done in time for UK City of Culture 2013.

Now the new Minister has confirmed this stating:

“The original plans for the Coleraine to Londonderry Track relay project would have resulted in the completion of the project by 2013 to coincide with the introduction to service of all 20 new trains.

“The budget, approved by the Executive, makes provision for the commencement of the track relay in 2014.

“This reflects capital availability of only £20m in year 4 of the budget period. Given the budget outcome, it is not possible to start the work earlier than 2014.”

He added: “Translink are currently identifying interim measures to be undertaken to ensure the continued running and safety of the line up until 2014. Funding has been provided for this purpose.”