Translink Press Release Railway lines saved
23 December 2004
Enjoying the investment on board the new train to Derry are NI Railways conductor Erin Doherty and 4 year old Chloe Thompson from Ballymoney.
Its official; Translink welcome the £23.6million ‘rail’ investment programme announced by Finance Minister Ian Pearson on Monday (20 December) which they say has secured the future of the threatened railway lines north of Ballymena and Whitehead. The company says the breakthrough is down to vital public and staff support.
Keith Moffatt Translink’s Chief Executive explained; “This is wonderful news. A question mark has been hanging over the future of the network north of Ballymena and Whitehead for 18 months so the announcement securing the future of the lines is very welcome news for us as a rail operator and of course for our passengers. The investment is all the more welcome as it represents an increase on the amount originally set aside for the Derry and Larne lines in October’s draft budget.
The budget announcement aptly coincided with the first of NI Railways new C3K trains going into passenger service on the L’Derry line. Our passengers are already seeing the benefits of investment, enjoying enhanced facilities and levels of comfort. The challenge now is to turn the investment in trains and track into significant increases in passenger numbers.”
Mr Moffatt added; “We would like to offer sincere thanks to everyone involved; politicians, staff, lobby groups, the media and individuals for their on-going support for the railway. Together we have made a real difference to the future of sustainable transport in Northern Ireland.”
Mr Moffatt continued; “In addition, we remain committed to further developing the entire network as recommended in the Booz Allen Hamilton review which Translink commissioned earlier this year. A long-term programme of investment will enable us to deliver a sustainable railway offering real value for money and capable of making a significant contribution to the socio-economic development of Northern Ireland.
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