Strategic Outline Case for Phase 3 rail upgrade between Derry and Coleraine due this year
A Programme Strategic Outline Case (SOC) is due to be developed for Phase 3 of the Derry to Coleraine rail upgrade, transport minister Liz Kimmins has said.
Money for twenty miles of track renewals on the railway has been ring-fenced in the minister’s draft budget for 2026/27.
Ms. Kimmins was asked for an update on the rail project by SDLP MLA Mark H. Durkan.
"Phase 3 of the Derry to Coleraine rail line renewal project remains an approved scheme, with a business case approved by the Department in November 2022.
"I ring-fenced £5.9m for the project in 2025/26, and I have included a ring-fenced allocation within my draft budget for this year.
“Further progress will be considered alongside the development of a Programme Strategic Outline Case (SOC) later this year,” she said.
Phase 3 includes the renewal of ballast and sleepers between Castlerock and Eglinton and structural and drainage works to allow for line speed increases of up to 90 miles per hour.