Debate contribution: Knockmore Line to Belfast International Airport

Debate contribution by Mr John Blair on 16 September 2025.

MLA

Mr John Blair

Party at the time

Alliance Party

Date

16 September 2025

Type

Debate contribution

Business

Adjournment

Heading

Knockmore Line to Belfast International Airport

Assembly identifier

Official Report component 5111991

Read the official Assembly record

Text

Thank you, Mr Speaker. I am grateful for the opportunity to address the Assembly in an Adjournment debate on an issue that is of great significance to my constituency of South Antrim and, indeed, to Northern Ireland. I am also grateful to the Minister for coming to the House to respond. There has been long-standing support for reinstating the Knockmore rail line since it closed in 2003. It would reconnect the towns of Crumlin, Glenavy and Ballinderry and extend the service to Belfast International Airport. There could also be significant beneficial impact on accessibility and in increased public transport options in places such as Templepatrick and Ballyclare and other towns and villages throughout the area. I have spoken in the Chamber many times about how our rural communities across Northern Ireland remain chronically underserved and neglected by transportation infrastructure. Residents face significant and often overwhelming barriers to accessing essential services, stable employment and social amenities, primarily due to unreliable, infrequent or altogether absent public transport. That is especially difficult to accept when a transport line is built only to be prematurely closed, even more so when much of the rail infrastructure around it remains in place, seemingly ready for public use and being used by the operator for training and diversion purposes but not as part of the public network. Conversations that I have had with constituents, local businesses and organisations such as Antrim Chamber of Commerce have echoed one message: connectivity is not a luxury; it is a necessity. A reliable rail service is invaluable for commuters, families, young people seeking opportunity and older citizens wanting to stay connected. Beyond the everyday advantages, reinstating the Knockmore line and extending it to Belfast International Airport would unlock enormous potential. Improved access would benefit domestic and international tourists, stimulate sustainable economic growth and help meet commitments on decarbonisation and balanced regional development. Progress, however, has been slow and, frankly, frustrating. It has been over two years since Translink committed to a feasibility study. We recently learned that that report is complete and with the Department for Infrastructure. That is an important milestone, but it is just one step on a long path. While I acknowledge the Department's deliberation, I urge it to give us clarity and a path forward as soon as possible. Our communities need a timeline, a budget and, most important, a commitment to develop this essential project. Of course, financial constraints are real — I understand the pressure that each Department is under — and, of course, Ministers must make difficult decisions to safeguard vital public services. However, reducing investment in public transport has a major ripple effect on our economy. Every pound spent on sustainable connectivity yields significant returns in opportunity, much of which I have outlined. I thank my Alliance colleague David Honeyford for persistently pressing the issue with the Infrastructure Minister and other Ministers. I express my gratitude to our colleagues on Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council and on Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council for their efforts. The Alliance Party, I have to make clear, remains committed to ensuring that the Knockmore line reopens. Since the closure of the line in 2003, Northern Ireland's communities and economy have changed significantly. In many ways, the case for reopening is stronger than ever. For example, Glenavy's population has doubled since 2003. Ballyclare and Templepatrick, which I mentioned, have also witnessed significant population growth. Our region has grown, but our infrastructure has not kept pace. Demand for public transport has soared with the increase in population, not just among commuters but among students who depend on reliable and affordable transport to universities, workplaces and social events. Sustainability is now a central priority, with more people seeking greener and more affordable travel options. In addition to that, Belfast International Airport use has grown substantially, with more residents, students and tourists travelling than ever before. Significant tourism investment has put Northern Ireland on the global stage, and international visitors reasonably expect seamless transport, as is standard in many countries. Unfortunately, many leave here disappointed with our limited public transport, undermining our efforts to showcase Northern Ireland's best. With so much growth and potential, securing modern, sustainable connectivity for all is more urgent than ever. It would be remiss of me in bringing forward this Adjournment debate not to use the opportunity to offer recognition and thanks to the individuals and groups who have worked hard in the community space to keep the Knockmore line issue in the public domain. The Circle Line Belfast and FundtheNINE's active campaigns to do better on our rail infrastructure have caught public and media attention, as well as promoting the real benefits of offering rail services to residents, commuters, businesses and tourists in the greater Belfast, south Antrim, east Antrim and Lagan valley areas and, indeed, well beyond. The public profile and levels of engagement of those campaigns not only demonstrates the commitment of those involved but shows that there is significant public interest in sustainable public transport solutions. Members and the Minister will be aware of the plans announced today, which include a new rail halt as part of Belfast City Airport's 2040 extension master plan. That sends a strong signal of the recognition that our region's growth relies increasingly on integrated and sustainable links and aligns with my calls for a renewed commitment to projects such as the reinstatement of the Knockmore line and improved airport access. As I draw to a conclusion, I again urge the Infrastructure Minister to make decisions on the Knockmore line at pace. Accessible, efficient and reliable public transport is vital for enhancing citizens' quality of life, regardless of their location. Achieving that requires increased public investment and improved connectivity between rural and urban areas. There may also be real action required with the public and private sectors working innovatively together to deliver. My colleagues in the Alliance Party and I remain dedicated to addressing the ongoing shortcomings in our rural public transport system. We aim for an inclusive, efficient and responsive network that serves all our constituents and meets our society's growing needs. The economic, environmental and social benefits of reinstating the Knockmore line and utilising the close proximity to a vastly improved and expanding Belfast International Airport must be prioritised. We now need the delivery of that vital transport link.

1,054 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Assessment

Not flagged

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Assessed 21 October 2026 at 13:16 UTC by jev-1.13.0 (requested as typesafe/jev) under rubric 2026.10-r9, methodology 1.9.

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