Swann: Proper Resourcing Needed for Rail Transformation

South Antrim MP Robin Swann has expressed his disappointment following the revelation that Department for Infrastructure staff spend only 13 hours per week on the All-Island Strategic Rail Review and has written to the Minister to make greater rail connectivity and investment a departmental priority.

Mr Swann said:

“Rail connectivity, particularly the Knockmore Line, which is a key component of the All-Island Review, is an issue that’s been raised with me time and time again by constituents.

“Connecting our International airport to Antrim and Belfast, offering greater public transport for small towns like Crumlin and Glenavy, and connecting commuters between Antrim, Lisburn and Belfast would be a massive boost for the local economy. The Minister has said as much to make in recent correspondence in which she said that the Review is ‘an ambitious piece of work which has the potential to transform our rail network.’

“It is disappointing that, despite this, the Minister’s department is only providing the Full Time Equivalent of 0.3 staff towards the implementation of the Strategic Rail Review. I do not believe that this represents due dedication and resourcing for a ‘ambitious’ and ‘transformational’ piece of work.

“I have called on Minister to ensure that rail connectivity is a priority for her department and to ensure that there is adequate staff and resourcing in place to make the Knockmore Line, and soon after the Circle Line, a reality, as we need to see action soon rather than just promises.”