Vol. 521 No. 4
28 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the discussions, if any, she has had, or plans to have with her opposite number in the newly reformed Northern Ireland Executive in relation to the initiation of a Dublin-Derry train service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17133/00]
To date, I have had no discussions with Mr. Peter Robinson, the Minister for Regional Development in relation to transport matters, but I am looking forward to having an early opportunity to talk to him about these issues. While transport is one of the agreed areas of North-South co-operation under the Good Friday Agreement, arrangements have yet to be made for a ministerial meeting.
I am advised that the rail line from Derry to Belfast, which is operated by Northern Ireland Railways, is being upgraded and that the work will include the restoration of a disused line north of Belfast which should result in a more direct and faster service between Derry and Belfast. I am also informed that this will create opportunities for better connections to the Belfast-Dublin Enterprise rail services that have already been upgraded by Iarnród Éireann and Northern Ireland Railways.
