Peace Bridge station feasibility study due by spring

Rail Minister Danny Kennedy explained that the study should be completed by the end of the current financial year but hinted that there would be no money to build the station in the immediate future.

In February 2010 the Sentinel first reported how a new railway station at the Waterside end of Londonderry’s proposed Peace Bridge was being considered.

Former Rail Minister Conor Murphy stated then how Translink was working with the Londonderry urban regeneration company to ensure the Peace Bridge would directly link the railway with the Foyleside shopping centre.

Now Mr Kennedy has revealed: “Translink is working with Ilex to carry out a joint ‘Londonderry Railway Station Feasibility Study’ in order to identify the preferred location and concept layout of a new or refurbished station.

“As part of the study Translink will consider options to continue using the existing location, acquiring and re-using the old station building and also a new build option. The study is expected to be completed during 2011/12.”

He was responding to a Question tabled at the Stormont Assembly by East Londonderry MLA John Dallat.

“Translink recognises that Ilex is currently developing the area and the study is being undertaken at this stage so that suitable steps can be taken to protect the identified preferred site. It should be emphasised that there is no funding within the current capital programme for the station to be built,” he added.

The Minister hinted, however, that there would likely be no money for the new station in the immediate future.

“Realistically progress will depend on the next Comprehensive Spending Review,” he stated.