Menu
22/02/2002
Closure of Antrim-Knockmore railway is criticised
Regional Development Minister, Peter Robinson has been criticised over his decision to discontinue the rail service between Antrim and Knockmore.
The Minister said he came to the decision because his department could not continue to fund the line within its current funding allocation. However, Mr Robinson stressed that while he was prepared to propose a discontinuance of services, under statutory procedure any decision to discontinue rail services on the Antrim-Knockmore line would require the approval of the Assembly.
His decision was criticised by SDLP and MLA members Patricia Lewsley and Donovan McClelland. SDLP MLA member for Lagan Valley, Patricia Lewsley said she was very disappointed by the decision, she added: "Lisburn area has the highest expansion in population and new housing developments in Northern Ireland. I believe there is a real case for the service to be maintained to alleviate the increasing congestion on the roads."
Donovan McClelland added: "This is an extremely unfortunate decision. The SDLP have pressed the Minister on the need to retain the service over the past number of years.
"We have serious concerns about the impact of the closure of this service on road traffic in the area and on schoolchildren who use the service to travel to and from school. We remain deeply concerned about this matter."
Mr Robinson, however, said it was important to stress that discontinuing the service did not mean the abandonment of the line. He said the line would be mothballed with a view to its later reinstatement as part of a Belfast-Antrim-Lisburn-Belfast circle line.
The Minister also said that a review of the line’s future potential will be undertaken every five years and a full bus substitution programme will be provided to cover the services previously provided by the rail service.
(MB)
The Minister said he came to the decision because his department could not continue to fund the line within its current funding allocation. However, Mr Robinson stressed that while he was prepared to propose a discontinuance of services, under statutory procedure any decision to discontinue rail services on the Antrim-Knockmore line would require the approval of the Assembly.
His decision was criticised by SDLP and MLA members Patricia Lewsley and Donovan McClelland. SDLP MLA member for Lagan Valley, Patricia Lewsley said she was very disappointed by the decision, she added: "Lisburn area has the highest expansion in population and new housing developments in Northern Ireland. I believe there is a real case for the service to be maintained to alleviate the increasing congestion on the roads."
Donovan McClelland added: "This is an extremely unfortunate decision. The SDLP have pressed the Minister on the need to retain the service over the past number of years.
"We have serious concerns about the impact of the closure of this service on road traffic in the area and on schoolchildren who use the service to travel to and from school. We remain deeply concerned about this matter."
Mr Robinson, however, said it was important to stress that discontinuing the service did not mean the abandonment of the line. He said the line would be mothballed with a view to its later reinstatement as part of a Belfast-Antrim-Lisburn-Belfast circle line.
The Minister also said that a review of the line’s future potential will be undertaken every five years and a full bus substitution programme will be provided to cover the services previously provided by the rail service.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 November 2024
SDLP Seeks Views On Proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill
The SDLP has announced the launch of a public consultation of their proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill, describing it as an opportunity to rebalance the economy across the North. The consultation opened online today and will close on Sunday 16th February.
SDLP Seeks Views On Proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill
The SDLP has announced the launch of a public consultation of their proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill, describing it as an opportunity to rebalance the economy across the North. The consultation opened online today and will close on Sunday 16th February.
26 November 2012
Minister Disappointed At Decision On Public Service Pension Reform
Finance Minister Sammy Wilson has today made clear his disappointment that the Executive has failed to agree to the use of a Legislative Consent Motion (LCM) that would allow for the reform of public service pensions in Northern Ireland.
Minister Disappointed At Decision On Public Service Pension Reform
Finance Minister Sammy Wilson has today made clear his disappointment that the Executive has failed to agree to the use of a Legislative Consent Motion (LCM) that would allow for the reform of public service pensions in Northern Ireland.
07 July 2022
All-Ireland Football Semi-Final Rail Service To Depart From L'Derry
A special rail service for the All-Ireland Football semi-final on Saturday will now leave from L'Derry, Translink NI has announced. Welcoming the decision, Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd said: "This Saturday the Derry senior football team will be playing in the All-Ireland Football semi-final.
All-Ireland Football Semi-Final Rail Service To Depart From L'Derry
A special rail service for the All-Ireland Football semi-final on Saturday will now leave from L'Derry, Translink NI has announced. Welcoming the decision, Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd said: "This Saturday the Derry senior football team will be playing in the All-Ireland Football semi-final.
21 September 2023
Sunak Slammed For Net-Zero U-Turn
SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MP has criticised Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's u-turn on the action needed to achieve net-zero carbon emissions as "cynical opportunism dressed up as difficult decision making".
Sunak Slammed For Net-Zero U-Turn
SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MP has criticised Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's u-turn on the action needed to achieve net-zero carbon emissions as "cynical opportunism dressed up as difficult decision making".
01 November 2010
SF Welcomes DUP Economic Plan
Just hours after the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) Leader, First Minister Peter Robinson launched a series of economic proposals this morning, the Sinn Fein Spokesperson on the Economy has responded positively.
SF Welcomes DUP Economic Plan
Just hours after the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) Leader, First Minister Peter Robinson launched a series of economic proposals this morning, the Sinn Fein Spokesperson on the Economy has responded positively.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
