Plans to reinstate the Portadown to Armagh railway line have been moved forward as part of multi-billion pound proposals to increase rail connectivity across the island of Ireland.
The final report of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review contains a total of 32 proposals across the island – including including direct links to Belfast International Airport in the next six years.
The most significant local recommendation is the adjustment of the timeline to bring forward the reinstatement of railway between Portadown and Armagh from a long-term to a medium-term horizon.
This means the project have an anticipated delivery date of between 2030 and 2040, with long-term projects earmarked for the following decade.
Also, there are proposals to include a new train station in Craigavon.
In the long-term it is hoped that the rail line between Portadown – encompassing Dungannon, Omagh, Strabne – and Derry / Londonderry will be restored.
The report also addressing a long-term need to reinstating the railway from Portadown to Armagh, Cavan, and
Mullingar as this would reconnect many towns to the network and boost connectivity between Northern Ireland,
the Midlands, and the West of Ireland.
One recommendation also includes building a new direct line between Lisburn and Newry, together with a tunnel from Adelaide to the Lisburn area. This would improve journey times and deliver much needed capacity on the Belfast-Dublin route, while also providing rail services to Banbridge and Dromore.
The report states that large settlements such as Armagh and Cavan are within the commuting catchment of
Belfast and Dublin and restored rail links would have “a beneficial impact on access to employment, third level education, healthcare, and international gateways”.
As part of an evidence-based approach, a high-level economic appraisal was carried out to help ensure that the Review’s recommendations represent value-for-money.
The Report estimates that the capital cost of implementing all of the recommendations by 2050 is in the order of €35bn-€37 billion/£29-£31 billion in 2023 prices, and that the monetised benefits to society from such investment would cover the costs, meeting the goal of economic feasibility.
A more detailed evaluation would be conducted on individual projects brought forward for consideration.
DfI Minister, John O’Dowd, stated: “The publication of the Final Report of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review, the first of its kind across this island, is historic and I am pleased that we have reached this point. The Report provides an evidence-based framework to help guide future investment in our rail network, and will help us meet our climate commitments. The Review has been an excellent example of joint collaboration on cross-border priorities, and this continued partnership will be key to realising its ambitions.
“This publication brings us to a new chapter where we can shape a better future for everyone by decarbonising key services and investing in climate adaptation measures, while at the same time supporting economic productivity through projects, policy and legislation. Getting infrastructure right, and investing in it accordingly, can create the foundations for better rural and urban communities.”
The All-Island Strategic Rail Review Report and associated SEA Reports can be accessed via the Department of Transport’s website and the Department for Infrastructure’s website.
Armagh DUP councillor, Scott Armstrong, commented: “Today, I welcome the All-Island Strategic Rail Review Recommendations to improve connectivity within Northern Ireland.
“The recommendation to extend the line from Portadown to Armagh City, Portadown to Londonderry, reopening the Lisburn to Antrim line and a new line from Lisburn to Newry is exciting news.
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