SF MLA says £22m to be released to allow progress on Londonderry railway upgrade

Mr Mc Cartney stated: “This is welcome news for Derry and the North West. I commend the Minister for listening to his Executive colleagues from Derry and to the voices of the people of this City and District.

“While this decision will mean a short delay of 6 to 8 weeks on the commencement date for the A5 it is a sensible approach that will allow for both projects to proceed.

“Our Executive Ministers agreed this short delay in order to release the £22million necessary to facilitate the upgrade of the Rail line.

“This development will give added confidence to those tasked with planning for the City of Culture 2013 and other events over the coming years. This is another example of what can be achieved if we have clear goals and persistence.

“We showed it with Project Kelvin, the Radiotherapy Unit at Altnagelvin and now with the Rail Line. Many people told us that these projects were lost and that the politicians were not delivering –well they have been delivered by reasoned argument and application.

“We can also succeed in delivering the much needed expansion at Magee so long as we construct coherent, well developed arguments pointing out exactly what it is that we want and how it can be achieved.”