‘Derry needs and deserves better’ says Colr. McCann

Ms. Mallon confirmed that the projects currently being prioritised to address growing demand would be located at Newtownards (Bus), Comber (Bus), Cairnshill, Belfast (Bus), Downpatrick (Bus) and Trooperslane, Carrickfergus (Rail).

Mr. McCann, who is a long-standing member of the Into the West rail lobby, said: “The isolation of Derry as far as transport connections are concerned has been underlined yet again by last week’s announcement of five new park and ride facilities - none of them on the Derry line.”

He lamented that ‘Derry didn’t get a mention.’

“Trooperslane Rail is the 47th busiest station out of 54 NI Rail stations. Yet, it has been decided that Trooperslane needs park-and-ride – but that there’s no call for anything new to improve Derry’s rail connectivity. It is with a sense of weariness that Derry people will have noted that all five of the new schemes are within 30 miles of Belfast. Derry needs and deserves better.”

Announcing the projects Ms. Mallon said: “I have considered a number of factors such as the growing demand for park and ride facilities, existing public transport provision and land availability to assist me in reaching a decision to approve the first phase of park and rides for this year.” She said more schemes would be announced this financial year.