Cabin to be scrapped

Signallers working on the line will not be affected by the planned reduction of the Coleraine to Londonderry service, according to Rail Minister Danny Kennedy.

But the subsequent re-laying and re-signalling of the track will see signal cabins at Waterside, Castlerock and Bann Bridge phased out and signalling for the line concentrated in Coleraine.

East Londonderry MLA George Robinson raised concerns about the potential impact of the reduction in service provision on the Coleraine to Londonderry railway on the employment of signallers at the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Mr Kennedy replied: “Translink has advised that the current planned reduction to rail service provision between Coleraine and Londonderry to complete necessary safety improvement works will have no impact on signallers.”

However, the Minister said the eventual completion of the track relay would have an impact on signallers.

“The Economic Appraisal for this project shows all signalling operations being concentrated in Coleraine cabin. “This will result in the signalling functions at Waterside Station, Castlerock and Bann Bridge becoming redundant.

“In such circumstances discussions between the organisation and relevant Trade Union officials would take place and in the first instance the normal approach is to seek to implement suitable redeployment for any affected staff. Staff in the North-West are aware of future plans,” he stated.