O’Dowd hopes to present final All-Island Rail Review report to Executive this month

The Infrastructure Minister provided the forecast when asked by Foyle MLA Ciara Ferguson for an update on a feasibility study on a new railway from Portadown to Derry.

Mr. O'Dowd said: “We have secured funding for that programme through the UK's Union connectivity review. The programme also fits in with the all-island rail review.

"That is important investment for moving on to the further steps that are needed to ensure that we deliver on commitments not only to address regional imbalance but on the exciting programme of work that is outlined in the all-island rail review.

"I hope to be able to present that all-island rail review to the Executive later this month. That has to be done in conjunction with my colleagues in the Cabinet in Dublin, as it is a joint project. These are exciting times for our railway service, including that to Derry.”