Debate contribution: All-island Rail Network

Debate contribution by Mr Gary Middleton on 27 February 2024.

MLA

Mr Gary Middleton

Party at the time

Democratic Unionist Party

Date

27 February 2024

Type

Debate contribution

Business

Private Members' Business

Heading

All-island Rail Network

Assembly identifier

Official Report component 4238023

Read the official Assembly record

Text

I welcome the opportunity to speak in support of the amendment tabled by members of our party. Since the 1950s, the Northern Ireland rail network has been cut by some 450 miles. It is evident that we have suffered historical underinvestment in our rail network and services in comparison with regions across the United Kingdom. We do not have any railway electrification, and there are clear disparities in access to services in specific areas, particularly the north-west and Fermanagh. There is no doubt that it is unacceptable that such a disparity in services exists across Northern Ireland, in the rail network and across our infrastructure network in general.

For that reason, the DUP recognises that the Union connectivity review and the all-island strategic rail review present a real opportunity and a vision to improve connectivity throughout the British Isles, benefiting our economies and unlocking growth and job opportunities that should benefit all our communities.

The motion does little to reflect the importance of the Union connectivity review and the all-island strategic rail review, nor does it make any reference at all to the UK Government and the need for funding investment. As my Fermanagh colleague Mrs Erskine said, we need to move beyond the ideas phase and ambitions and on to delivery. Despite its absence from the motion, there also needs to be a recognition of available Executive allocations, going forward. The DUP has long championed the full implementation of the Union connectivity review, recognising the effect that good transport and connectivity across the United Kingdom can have on economic growth, jobs and all aspects of our society. The 'Union Connectivity Review: Final Report' welcomed the all-island strategic rail review, and it is important to see that in the context of a British Isles-wide approach. The £5 million that was allocated by the Government in response to the Union connectivity review is welcome, but it goes nowhere near far enough to fund the progress and preparation that is needed for real change. The previous Infrastructure Minister's ambivalence to that review may go some way to explaining the lack of progress on the north-west and Enniskillen projects. As a party, we will commit to work closely with the UK Government, the Irish Government and the Minister for Infrastructure in order to ensure that those projects get off the ground as soon as possible and are able to deliver the infrastructure that Northern Ireland needs and deserves. Since I first entered politics, back in 2010, the change in the city that I represent has been incredible, with the building of the Peace Bridge, the new greenways and the first fully electric metro bus service in the UK. Those are positive changes, and now we need to see greater progress on rail connectivity. We need an urgent update on the phase 3 Londonderry to Coleraine feasibility study. It is encouraging to see the delivery of the north-west transport hub, but more can and should be done. We also need better connectivity between our airports and our sea ports. That can be done with investment that will deliver long-term economic and environmental benefits. The restoration of the railway line from Londonderry to Portadown would link the towns of Strabane, Omagh and Dungannon, providing an opportunity for greater connectivity across the Province. There is also an acceptance in the draft report from the all-island rail review that individual projects will need further feasibility studies and environmental assessments. There is no doubt that significant amounts of funding will be required to move things along, but we must invest in order to reap the future benefits. In closing, I would like to pay tribute to all of the many campaigners who, over the years, have put in the effort and voiced their concerns. I include Into the West in that, which has been at the forefront with its campaigns. We look forward to working with the Minister and to seeing some of this stuff becoming a reality.

660 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Assessment

Not qualifying

Jev’s structured answers

Assessed 21 October 2026 at 09:41 UTC by jev-1.13.0 (requested as typesafe/jev) under rubric 2026.10-r9, methodology 1.9.

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