City disqualified from trans-euro rail fund
Rail Minister Danny Kennedy revealed the stretch of railway does not meet the criteria for inclusion as a core node on the European Union’s proposed trans-European transport network (TEN-T).
The Minister, however, is lobbying for inclusion of the line.
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Hide AdHe also claimed the development of a line from Londonderry to Cork was a matter for the Irish Government but if long term proposals were put forward he would consider them.
Mr Kennedy was asked by Foyle MLA Colum Eastwood if - due to the number of passengers travelling on the Londonderry to Belfast line - it could be “pre-identified on the EU Connecting Europe Facility list, so that it may be considered for investment in the future, perhaps as part of a western arc from Belfast-Derry-Cork, to accompany the present Trans European Network on the eastern arc of the island from Belfast-Dublin-Cork.”
The Minister replied: “Under the European Commission’s proposals, Londonderry does not meet the criteria for inclusion on the TEN-T network as a Core Node. Unless Londonderry is included on the TEN-T core network, it will not be possible to avail of funding from the Connecting Europe Facility for the railway line from Belfast to Londonderry.
“My officials have, however, been liaising with both the Department for Transport in London and the Department of Transport in Dublin in lobbying for the inclusion of Londonderry on the TEN-T core network.
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Hide Ad“We have highlighted the need for the TEN-T criteria to recognise regional variance and circumstance and to avoid imposing standards with major cost implications.
“I am not aware of plans at this time to extend the rail line from Londonderry to Cork. This is primarily an issue for the Republic of Ireland. I do, however, plan to take forward work to review the rail network in Northern Ireland for the period beyond the current budget.
“If any long term proposals are put by authorities in the Republic of Ireland for connections to Londonderry these could be considered further in that context.”