Swann Calls for Westminster Support to Reopen Knockmore Railway Line

Addressing delegates during his speech at the Ulster Unionist Party conference, South Antrim MP Robin Swann reiterated his commitment to reopening the disused Knockmore railway line, framing the £300 million infrastructure project as a vital connectivity link for Northern Ireland and Belfast International Airport.

During his conference speech, the Ulster Unionist MP said:

“I want Northern Ireland to become a more connected part of our United Kingdom. We need proper delivery on infrastructure, including the big, innovative projects that will make a genuine difference. In many cases, these projects need support from Westminster to get off the ground, whether due to high costs or a lack of ambition and bravery from Executive ministers.

“A clear example runs right through my constituency with the Knockmore railway line. It is a line that is already there, but currently sits unused, which would reconnect Antrim and Lisburn via Crumlin, Glenavy, Ballinderry and Belfast International Airport. But as it stands, reopening it requires £300 million. That is a substantial price tag, and an amount the Department for Infrastructure is unlikely to part with on its own. Yet, with ours being one of very few international airports in the United Kingdom without a rail connection, we are simply being left behind.

“I am continually championing this issue both at Westminster and here at home, because it is cleat that would be lasting investment in Northern Ireland, and with a Prime Minister with a focus on devolved delivery and public transport, there may well be opportunities to secure Westminster support for this.”