Debate contribution: Knockmore Line to Belfast International Airport
Debate contribution by Mrs Pam Cameron on .
- MLA
- Mrs Pam Cameron
- Party at the time
- Democratic Unionist Party
- Date
- 16 September 2025
- Type
- Debate contribution
- Business
- Adjournment
- Heading
- Knockmore Line to Belfast International Airport
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5112007
Read the official Assembly record
Text
I also welcome the opportunity to speak. I thank my constituency colleague John Blair for securing the Adjournment debate. As my colleague Trevor Clarke said, we have had this conversation many times in the House. Nevertheless, it is an issue that remains a vital topic. My colleague Steve Aiken also spoke so well. The topic is a matter of great importance, and it would be a wonderful achievement to see some really ambitious plans come forward. It is not just about trains and train lines but about connectivity, growth and the future of not only South Antrim but the entire region. It is therefore vital. For too long, our transport network has struggled to keep pace with the demands of a modern society. We know that, and the Knockmore line represents a potential solution that can enhance our public transport system, making it more efficient and accessible and potentially linking our towns and cities directly to Belfast International Airport. As has already been said, the airport holds numerous job fairs far and wide. It is continually trying to get qualified people in as staff members for all the various roles and the great job opportunities that there are, yet it struggles to retain people. A lot of that is down to the fact that people physically struggle to get from A to B to fill those roles.
The links are very important. It is about investing in our economy and the well-being of our citizens. We know that passenger figures at the airport continue to grow. We want to maximise the tourism potential not just in South Antrim but across Northern Ireland. We want to see more provision for South Antrim. The growth in the number of houses has been mentioned. I am one of those who has recently moved to Ballyclare. We have the relief road, which is terrific. A lot of people, including members of my family, have come from places well outside South Antrim to live in the area. It is a very attractive area, and it is easy to commute to Belfast from there.
I will, indeed.
Thank you. I could not agree more. We want to see that provision. There are enough people, and there is enough extra usage, to justify the link. We need to consider all options to improve the connectivity. A link from Ballymartin park-and-ride to the rail network is another potential opportunity. Ballymartin park-and-ride has been a great success, and we want to see more creative and ambitious planning. We know that the projects are very costly and take time to deliver. I am glad that the Minister is here to listen to the debate, and I appreciate her time this evening. I would welcome an update from the Minister on future provision, which is badly needed. The reinstatement and extension of the Knockmore line aligns with the commitment to sustainable development and the promotion of public transport as a viable alternative to car travel. We are all aware that it is not that easy to just ditch the car and commit to public transport — I wish that I could do that, because I love the train and the bus — as the availability and frequency of services are often an issue when trying to get from A to B. Even the taxi industry struggles to cope with the amount of traffic that we have today. We are aware of the controversial environmental targets that the Assembly set itself. Some of us would argue that those goals are not achievable or realistic. However, it is important that we do what we can in that regard when opportunities arise, while fostering economic growth. There is a great opportunity here to make environmental improvements too. We have to consider the social benefits that enhanced public transport access will provide. It is about greater mobility for all. It is about accessibility for those who struggle with disabilities and who need accessible transport. That is another huge challenge. We have a large number of people with disability and accessibility needs. Those needs must be met so that everyone in Northern Ireland is accommodated. At this point, I will give a shout-out to South Antrim Community Transport in praise of the fantastic work that it does. That invaluable service plugs a gap in getting people from A to B for appointments and social occasions. The value for money that it provides for Northern Ireland and the Government is fantastic. A lot of people rely on that service. I would like to see more community transport across Northern Ireland. The reinstatement and extension of the Knockmore line to Belfast International Airport would not just be a transport project; it would be an investment in our future. I, for one, would dearly like to see it come to fruition.
802 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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