Swann Tables Motion in Parliament Demanding Action on Knockmore Railway Line
- Jay Buntin
- Feb 25
- 2 min read
South Antrim MP Robin Swann has intensified his campaign to reopen the Antrim–Lisburn (Knockmore) railway line by tabling an Early Day Motion (EDM) in the House of Commons, calling on the Government and the Northern Ireland Executive to prioritise the project.
The motion highlights the strategic importance of the line, which would reconnect Antrim, Crumlin, Glenavy, and Ballinderry to Lisburn and provide a long-awaited rail link to Belfast International Airport.
Mr Swann has criticised the "lack of ambition" shown by the Department for Infrastructure, which recently suggested a delivery timeframe of up to ten years with a price tag of up to £500m. He has argued that work on a formal business case should start without any further delay.
The project has seen a huge level of local support, with over 1,200 residents recently signing Swann’s open letter to the Infrastructure Minister demanding progress. Translink Feasibility Study key findings suggest the reopened line could generate up to one million additional passenger journeys every year.
The motion also acknowledges the role of the UK Department for Transport, which funded the feasibility study, and calls for the full report to be published to allow for proper public scrutiny.
Mr Swann commented on his motion:
“The demand is there, the feasibility is proven and the public support is overwhelming.
"I have brought this to Parliament to ensure the project stays at the top of the agenda. We need to see more ambition from the Department. The tracks are already there, so there is no reason why we cannot move faster. I will keep pushing both the government here in Westminster and the Minister at home to make sure this vital investment in our infrastructure actually gets delivered."
Ends.
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Note:
Motion text:
That this House recognises the strategic importance of the Knockmore railway line as a vital component of a modern, integrated transport network for South Antrim constituency and wider Northern Ireland; notes that the line is a key component of the proposed Belfast Circle Line, which aims to create a continuous rail loop around Greater Belfast; further notes that the reopening of this line would provide essential rail connectivity to Belfast International Airport, which is currently a striking anomaly as one of the few major international airports in the United Kingdom without a direct rail connection; welcomes the findings of the 2025 feasibility study confirming the project is both viable and in high demand, with the potential to generate one million passenger journeys annually; expresses concern at the Department for Infrastructure’s suggested delivery window of 2030 to 2040, which would see this essential infrastructure delayed for up to 14 years; and calls on the Government to support the acceleration of this project by providing necessary capital funding and prioritising the Knockmore Line and the associated Ballymartin rail halt as early-delivery projects to support regional economic growth, reduce road congestion and meet environmental sustainability targets.
