Cree calls for comprehensive Northern Ireland rail-way strategy.
North Down MLA Leslie Cree Ulster Unionist Enterprise Trade and Investment spokesperson has welcomed the debate in the Assembly today concerning the development of the Northern Rail Corridor between Londonderry and Belfast. Mr. Cree considers the debate to have raised wider issues and specifically the need for a long-term strategy for the rail-network in Northern Ireland. Mr. Cree is concerned that the Minister for Regional Development and the Enterprise Minister are not co-operating and are lacking in ideas when it comes to improving infrastructure links between tourist attractions and economic hubs in the province.
In a statement Mr Cree said,
“We are not maximising the potential of our rail system. With limited trains, carriages and track restrictions the number of commuter services and long distance journeys are well below what they should be. We are now reaching a situation that growth in the sector is being directly hampered by the lack of rolling stock and decaying train-tracks. This is nowhere more apparent than on the Londonderry to Belfast line. Good commuter services between our economic hubs are essential for the growth of the economy and equally our tourist infrastructure is reliant on links between key destinations; currently we are lacking in both these areas.
For example I think it is something of an embarrassment that there is no direct rail link to either of our two major airports. Sydenham Station which previously linked the City Airport to Belfast and North Down is now floating in no man’s land. With some strategic thinking and relatively limited investment we could create a link that provides both for the airport and the new Ikea store. Similarly with relatively little investment the International Airport could be linked to the existing rail network. These are the types of issues the Regional Development Minister and the Enterprise Trade and Investment Minister need to be discussing sooner rather than later so that the necessary plans can be put in place as soon as possible.
Our Ministers need to start thinking more strategically to gain the most out of our commercial and tourist market and also the opportunities that inward investment from India and the United States will bring to the Northern Ireland marketplace. Excellent commuter and tourist services are expected by tourists and inward investors. We need to ensure that we are moving towards the delivery of these essential services and a integrated strategy for our rail-network is sorely needed”.