Swann Seeks Assurance on Circle Line

South Antrim MP Robin Swann has outlined how the Belfast Circle Line must be made a reality, in keeping with the recommendations of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review. This follows confirmation from the Minister of Infrastructure to Mr Swann which stated that her Department “is not actively considering the Belfast Circle Line which was not identified in the AISRR.”

Mr Swann informed the Minister that:

“It should be noted that the Circle Line does not require additional infrastructure beyond what is proposed as part of the AISRR – the Circle Line is a route, using current lines and those proposed in the AISRR, and I would urge you to strongly consider implementing this line/route in the event of the implementation of the Review.”

In a written response Ms Kimmins assured the South Antrim MP that:

“the Department is considering all the recommendations in the All-Island Strategic Rail Review, including dualling Monkstown-Antrim, reopening the Lisburn-Antrim line with a link to Belfast International Airport, and a new station at Ballymartin, however, these are not being actively considered as part of a Belfast Circle line proposal.

“If the introduction of these initiatives provides the necessary infrastructure for the Belfast Circle Line, then the delivery of this line would be an operational matter for Translink, taking into account the timetables and schedules of existing and new routes, including the enhanced service frequencies envisioned by the Rail Review.”

Following a direct question to The Secretary of Transport in Westminster by Mr Swann, they have provided a further update, on the funding and delivery of the Northern Ireland rail improvements, where they have told Mr Swann, that:

“My officials facilitated a meeting between the Department for Infrastructure and the National Wealth Fund in January. This discussion explored potential opportunities to support the delivery of the Review’s recommendations, including funding and access to advisory services.

“We will continue to engage with the Department for Infrastructure on ways to improve the rail system in Northern Ireland, offering advice and support where appropriate.”

Mr Swann commented:

“I have now written to Translink to ask that if the recommendations outlined by the Minister were actioned and the rail line was expanded as described, would Translink look to schedule a Belfast Circle Line route. I have also asked if any studies have been commissioned by Translink into any increase in public transport use in the event of increased rail connectivity, including the Antrim-Lisburn Line.

“Improving rail connectivity is a key priority for me. Better connecting commuters, students and tourists via rail is long overdue and I look forward to Translink’s response, which I hope will bring encouraging news for the future of rail connectivity - the opening of the Antrim to Lisburn, Knockmore Line, would be an initial first step.”