Fleming urges DfI to progressPhase 3 of Derry railway line

Sinn Féin councillor Paul Fleming has said that improving rail infrastructure west of the Bann needs to be part of the solution to tackling regional inequality on the island of Ireland.

He stated: “If we want to improve our economic fortunes west of the Bann, we need to invest in the right infrastructure to realise the region’s full economic potential.

“Improving the Derry to Belfast rail line should play a key role in improving the connectivity of the north west.

“Previous works to the line have allowed for the introduction of an hourly service between Derry and Coleraine, but the third phase of improvements has eluded delivery over the past few years and it includes enhancing the line at the Castlerock to Eglington section.”

Last year the Department of Infrastructure said it had no plans to take forward Phase 3 of the Derry-Coleraine line.

Its assessment then was that the track condition was performing well and it pointed to nearly £74m that had been spent on significant upgrades on the rail network and associated infrastructure in the NW in recent years.

Following the restoration of the Stormont Executive Colr. Fleming has urged the department to reconsider the upgrade.

“The Infrastructure Minister needs to provide clarity as to whether we will see this anticipated improvement of the rail line,” he said.

Colr. Fleming, however, acknowledged the severe budget pressures the Executive is labouring under as it deals with the continuing public health crisis in the north.

“Public transport is under significant budgetary constraints as a result of Tory austerity, and these pressures are now exacerbated by COVID-19.

“We need to focus on addressing these pressures while looking at how we can improve our network for the future,” he said.