Vol. 533 No. 3
29 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the discussions she has had with her counterpart in the Northern Executive on the development of a direct train link from Dublin to Donegal and Derry in view of the great advances that have occurred on the Dublin to Belfast section; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7849/01]
The development of cross-Border rail links, including the scope for improved services between Dublin and Derry, was discussed at the first meeting of the North-South Ministerial Council on transport on 19 December last. The meeting was jointly chaired by the First Minister, David Trimble, and Deputy First Minister, Séamus Mallon.
The council identified a number of opportunities for co-operation, including the further development of cross-Border rail and bus services, and asked that the joint secretariat would convene meetings of officials to prepare a detailed work programme for consideration at a future meeting of the council.
I understand from Iarnród Éireann that Northern Ireland Railways plans to reduce travel times between Derry and Belfast by routing trains on to the Antrim-Bleach Green line, which is a more direct route to Belfast than the current route via Lisburn. When the line is brought into use, the Derry train will terminate at Belfast central station, thus allowing for direct connections with the Enterprise services to Dublin. This development will greatly enhance rail travel opportunities between Donegal, Derry and Dublin.
When we had that meeting I asked Mr. Trimble and Mr. Mallon directly about that service. It is too early yet for Iarnród Éireann to consider a direct Dublin-Derry service. Apart from the rolling stock issue there are local concerns in Northern Ireland about the main routing north of Belfast. It is a live issue and is on the agenda.
I thank the Minister for her reply and for the important role she played in getting air access into Derry from Dublin. Could she confirm again what she has said, that it is vital to get rail access into Donegal whether it be to Derry or to Donegal? Has the Minister any time scale from the Northern authorities in relation to the upgrading of the Derry to Belfast stretch of the line? When that section is upgraded the Minister should push for the Enterprise to go from Dublin straight through to Derry. There should not be any reason we have a faster track and a train from Derry stopping in Belfast so that people can get on to the Enterprise. There should be a through train and this suggestion does not seem to pose a huge problem.
It is now anticipated that it will be May or June before the direct service is introduced. Trains operating on the new line would terminate at Belfast central. The issue is still very alive on the agenda of the North South Ministers with responsibility for transport.
Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.
