Transport infrastructure is key priority for region’s economy

‘Delay in rail upgrade should be referred to Executive'

The Londonderry Chamber of Commerce is very disturbed that improvements to the Derry-Belfast rail line are reportedly being delayed. In the run-up to the Assembly elections the Chamber congratulated ministers for acting positively in response to Chamber lobbying, including the apparent agreement for the "Coleraine-Derry rail line improvements to go-ahead in current Budget period" (Chamber press release, 4 March). This followed a statement issued on 4 March by the then regional development minister Conor Murphy indicating that an extra £107m allocated by the Executive to his department would enable various transport schemes to go ahead.

Conor Murphy also said in early March, when announcing the procurement of new rolling stock: "Over the next budget period, as well as funding these new trains, my department will also fund associated projects such as a new train maintenance facility at Adelaide, Belfast, and platform extensions as well as the start of the Derry to Coleraine track relay."
In April 2010, the then minister specified: "A major relay of the track between Coleraine and Derry, with estimated costs in the region of £75m, will start in 2012 and be completed in 2013."

The Chamber seeks the continued commitment of politicians of all political parties to this position. The rail link is an essential part of the regional infrastructure, as a means for employees to commute into the city and as what should be a key part of the tourism offering of the region as one of the world's most beautiful stretches of rail line.

"Promises were made before the last Assembly election, which we want to see fulfilled," says Padraig Canavan, Chamber President. "It was our understanding that there was agreement that the rail line between Derry-Londonderry and Coleraine would be upgraded in the current Budget period. On this basis, we call on our local ministers and political parties to refer this matter to the Executive for review. It is time for ministers to demonstrate collective responsibility for such decisions.

"Rail and road links are essential parts of the local infrastructure that enable our economy to function. Studies have repeatedly shown that the most important factors influencing investment decisions are the quality and speed of road and rail links, along with the quality and size of the local university and airport. Yet the North West has road and rail links with Belfast that are of disgracefully poor quality and our other key infrastructure also needs to be expanded as a priority.

"The Chamber hopes that DRD and minister Danny Kennedy will clarify the funding position on both the upgrade to the rail line to Coleraine and also regarding the desperately needed road improvements to the A6 at Dungiven and Castledawson."