Ulster Unionist Councillor Mark McKinty has welcomed the opportunity of public consultation on the future of railway investment in Northern Ireland. "I welcome the recent announcement by my Party colleague Danny Kennedy on the future of railway investment. There is huge potential to improve our current railway provision and to examine the possibility of network extension."
Launching the consultation, Danny Kennedy, Minister for Regional Development said: “Railways investment involves significant capital expenditure, with lengthy planning and construction phases. Looking forward over the next 20 years, there is a need to set a strategic direction to determine the priority in which new railway projects are tackled.”
“The outcome of the consultation will be used to help determine which railway projects should have priority within the wider Regional Transportation Policy Prioritisation Framework. It is important the public has an opportunity to have its voice heard and in doing so help us determine the order in which railway projects should be taken forward.”
Speaking ahead of a meeting of NILGA's working group on rail investment, of which he is a member, Cllr. McKinty encouraged members of the public, organisations and community groups to make submissions to the consultation. "The Minister is keen to receive comments and suggestions with regard to the future of our railway network, and it is important that everyone - regular, frequent or sporadic train users and non-train users - has the opportunity to voice their opinion in shaping the future of public transport in Northern Ireland".
The Deputy Mayor of Larne also highlighted the ongoing campaign to encourage more people to use public transport. "Work is underway on the A8, and this month will see work commence on the A2 in Carrickfergus, two major routes for residents of Larne Borough commuting to and from Belfast. With expected congestion, I would reissue my calls made in 2012 for the public to use public transport.
"The Larne-Whitehead stretch of the Larne Line needs passenger numbers to increase to ensure the future viability of the line. I travel regularly on the trains and would whole-heartedly recommend them as a means of transport, with new, comfortable carriages which boast free wi-fi for students, commuters, and general passengers alike."
"I will continue to work through Council, NILGA and the Larne Line Passenger Group to lobby Translink for better services within Larne, including more coordinated integration of rail and bus networks to maximise usage of public transport. The future of our rail and bus network is in public hands."
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The consultation period will run until 12 April.
Everyone is welcome to contribute to the consultation and the Department looks forward to receiving public comment on the policy. The public can request the document by telephoning the Department on 028 90 540468, by email to mailto:alan.heron@drdni.gov.uk or by visiting the DRD website at http://www.drdni.gov.uk/publications.
Launching the consultation, Danny Kennedy, Minister for Regional Development said: “Railways investment involves significant capital expenditure, with lengthy planning and construction phases. Looking forward over the next 20 years, there is a need to set a strategic direction to determine the priority in which new railway projects are tackled.”
“The outcome of the consultation will be used to help determine which railway projects should have priority within the wider Regional Transportation Policy Prioritisation Framework. It is important the public has an opportunity to have its voice heard and in doing so help us determine the order in which railway projects should be taken forward.”
Speaking ahead of a meeting of NILGA's working group on rail investment, of which he is a member, Cllr. McKinty encouraged members of the public, organisations and community groups to make submissions to the consultation. "The Minister is keen to receive comments and suggestions with regard to the future of our railway network, and it is important that everyone - regular, frequent or sporadic train users and non-train users - has the opportunity to voice their opinion in shaping the future of public transport in Northern Ireland".
The Deputy Mayor of Larne also highlighted the ongoing campaign to encourage more people to use public transport. "Work is underway on the A8, and this month will see work commence on the A2 in Carrickfergus, two major routes for residents of Larne Borough commuting to and from Belfast. With expected congestion, I would reissue my calls made in 2012 for the public to use public transport.
"The Larne-Whitehead stretch of the Larne Line needs passenger numbers to increase to ensure the future viability of the line. I travel regularly on the trains and would whole-heartedly recommend them as a means of transport, with new, comfortable carriages which boast free wi-fi for students, commuters, and general passengers alike."
"I will continue to work through Council, NILGA and the Larne Line Passenger Group to lobby Translink for better services within Larne, including more coordinated integration of rail and bus networks to maximise usage of public transport. The future of our rail and bus network is in public hands."
---
The consultation period will run until 12 April.
Everyone is welcome to contribute to the consultation and the Department looks forward to receiving public comment on the policy. The public can request the document by telephoning the Department on 028 90 540468, by email to mailto:alan.heron@drdni.gov.uk or by visiting the DRD website at http://www.drdni.gov.uk/publications.
