£20m rail gaffeslammed by DUP

The Londonderry to Coleraine train passing Downhill, in Co Londonderry today. One of Ireland's most scenic railway routes has fallen victim to government cutbacks as a long planned track upgrade hit the buffers. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday August 17, 2011. The £75 million scheme to create a passing loop and relay sections of the single line that winds along Northern Ireland's north coast from Coleraine to Londonderry has been postponed for at least two years due to lack of funds. See PA story ULSTER Rail. Photo credit should read: Paul Faith/PA Wire

Mr Kennedy revealed on Monday (November 3) that a year after Translink encountered difficulties in connection with the procurement on phase 2, which involves the completion of resignalling works and the construction of a new passing loop, it has run into difficulties again.

Mr Kennedy stated: “It has become clear that the projected cost of between £20m and £22m for phase 2, prepared by Translink in September 2011, was a gross underestimate.

“The detailed design work now suggests that overall costs could be of the order of £40m.”

He said Translink made him aware of the issue during the summer and “given the gravity of the issue” he commissioned an external review of the project management.

This took place in mid-September, and a final report was presented to the Minister at the end of September.

“Because the report deals with commercially sensitive information, I do not intend to make it available at this stage. The key conclusions are that the original cost projection was a high-level estimate not backed up by any detailed planning or design work, which Translink did not make clear at the time; that the original projection was underestimated at least partly due to failure to build in contingency at an appropriate level for a complex signalling project of this kind; and that relying on a single source of cost estimation, even if it is independent and specialist, both in the original appraisal and currently, represents a potential vulnerability,” said the Rail Minister.

Mr Devenney responded to the shock blow by stating: “It is once again very disappointing to hear that the Coleraine to Londonderry railway project has been delayed.

“The people of Londonderry and the North West have suffered many setbacks in the development of road and rail infrastructure over the years.

“When I was Mayor of Londonderry in 2011/12, I led a delegation to meet the DRD Minister in relation to the railway project and at that time we were assured the project was back on schedule and the finances secured.

“To hear that the projected costs were only ‘guesstimates’ is completely unacceptable.

“The Coleraine to Londonderry line is a much needed method of transport for students, business people and leisure users.

“I will continue to lobby the minister to ensure this project goes ahead.”