MLA welcomes funding for upgrades to Knockmore railway line
Lagan Valley MLA David Honeyford has welcomed the announcement by Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins that £2million in funding will be made available to upgrade the Lisburn to Knockmore railway line.
The funding for the local railway line is part of a €230milion investment for rail infrastructure from the Shared Island Fund, which was recently announced by the Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
"This is superb news for the future of rail on this island,” said Ms Kimmins.
“This investment will pave the way for faster journeys and greater reliability for services between Dublin, Belfast and the North-West – delivering a more cohesive rail network, connecting communities and boosting the thriving all-island economy."
Lagan Valley MLA David Honeyford has been campaigning for the reopening of the Knockmore railway line, which could see a connection from Lisburn to Belfast International Airport.
“The funding for upgrades between Lisburn and Knockmore is particularly welcome,” he said. “While relatively small in the context of the wider package, it is an important step towards reopening the Knockmore Line.
“For years I’ve been making the case that reconnecting our village communities such as Ballinderry, Glenavy and Crumlin, while providing a rail link to Belfast International Airport, would bring significant economic and tourism benefits.
“The investment is welcome, but people want to see progress on the ground and the focus must now be on full delivery of this project.
“Better rail connections create opportunity, reduce congestion and help connect people to jobs, education and services.
"This is a positive step forward, and I will continue pushing to see the Knockmore Line reopened.”