Translink safety plans for rail line

The Sentinel recently revealed how the relaying of the line had been put back for a year due to budget constraints and a wish to keep the line open for UK City of Culture 2013.

Now the Rail Minsiter Conor Murphy has assured that measures are being considered to ensure safety and efficiency on the line until then.

East Londonderry MLA George Robinson asked the Minister for Regional Development if and when the planned work on the Coleraine to Londonderry track relay will commence.

The Minister replied: “The draft budget proposals make provision for the commencement of the Coleraine to Derry Track relay in 2014.

“This reflects estimated capital availability over the period as well as the practicalities of trying to complete this project before the start of the City of Culture year in January 2013.

“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.”

The Londonderry to Coleraine railway relay slipped by at least a year because the DRD can’t afford it until 2014/15 and due to the difficulties in getting the job done in time for UK City of Culture 2013.