Castlerock loop removal

DUP MLA George Robinson asked the Minister whether it would be retained as an integral part of the railway relaying project.

Mr Kennedy replied: “Translink advise that the passing loop at Castlerock will remain after the current works in Phase 1 are completed. It is planned to remove it as part of Phase 2 works in 2014/15 as it will no longer be required.”

Plans are afoot, however, for another passing loop on the line.

The current Programme for Government says that phase 1 - the re-lay of end sections at Coleraine and Londonderry and the completion of essential bridge works (subject to no legal challenge to procurement exercises) - will be completed in 2013/14.

Phase 2 - a new signalling and passing loop (subject to no legal challenge to procurement exercises) - is to be substantially completed by 2014/15