Chamber CEO Sinead McLaughlin on the upgrading of Derry - Belfast Rail Link

"The Londonderry Chamber of Commerce congratulates the Telegraph in campaigning for the retention and upgrade of the vital rail link between Derry-Londonderry and Belfast. It is essential that we have a modern rail line that is fit for purpose. The section of track between Derry and Coleraine is a key piece of local infrastructure which has not been properly maintained or exploited for many years. It is recognised as one of the most beautiful stretches of railway anywhere in the world - and it should be promoted as such by Translink and the tourism promotion agencies. For this part of the line to be replaced for many journeys by a bus journey is absurd and should in particular not be happening during the City of Culture year.

"The Coleraine to Derry rail line is important for our tourism; it is important for employers, enabling staff to commute to work; and it is a key link between Northern Ireland's two major cities. We support the actions of the Into the West lobby group, Derry City Council and the Telegraph in protecting this local infrastructure."