MLAs debate railway line reopening

MLAs have spoken out in support of the urgent reinstatement of the Knockmore railway line and an extension to serve Belfast International Airport.

Alliance rep John Blair brought forward the adjournment debate in Stormont.

He said: “There has been long-standing support for reinstating the Knockmore rail line since the line closed in 2003, which would reconnect the towns of Crumlin, Glenavy, and Ballinderry, and extend service to Belfast International Airport.

“Residents face significant and often overwhelming barriers to accessing essential services, stable employment, and social amenities, primarily due to unreliable, infrequent, or altogether absent public transport.

“It is especially difficult to accept when a transport line is built only to be prematurely closed—more so when much of the rail infrastructure remains in place, seemingly ready for public use, and actually in use by the operator for training and diversion purposes.

“Conversations I have had with constituents, local businesses, and organisations, such as the Antrim Chamber of Commerce, have echoed one message: connectivity is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.

“A reliable rail service is invaluable for commuters, families, young people seeking opportunity, and older citizens wanting to stay connected.

“Beyond the everyday advantages, reinstating the Knockmore Line and extending it to Belfast International Airport would unlock enormous potential. Improved access would benefit both domestic and international tourists, stimulate sustainable economic growth, and help meet commitments to decarbonisation and balanced regional development.

“Progress, however, has been slow and, frankly, frustrating. It has been over two years since Translink committed to a feasibility study. We have recently learned that the report is complete and with the Department for Infrastructure—an important milestone, but just one step on a long path.

“While I acknowledge the Department’s deliberation, I urge urgency and clarity. Our communities need a timeline, a budget, and, most importantly, a commitment to developing this essential project.

“Reducing investment in public transport has a major ripple effect on our economy; every pound spent on sustainable connectivity yields significant returns for opportunity, many of which I have already outlined.

“Since the line’s closure in 2003, Northern Ireland’s communities and economy have changed significantly and, in many ways, the case for reopening is stronger than ever. For example, Glenavy’s population has doubled since 2003; our region has grown, but our infrastructure has not kept pace.

“Demand for public transport has soared with the increase in population, not just among commuters but also students who now rely on reliable, affordable travel to universities, workplaces, and social events. Sustainability is now a central priority, with more people seeking greener and more affordable travel options.

“Furthermore, Belfast International Airport’s use has grown substantially, with more residents, students, and tourists travelling than ever before. Significant tourism investment has put Northern Ireland on the global stage, and international visitors reasonably expect seamless transport, as is standard in many countries across the globe.

“Unfortunately, many leave disappointed with our limited public transport, undermining our efforts to showcase Northern Ireland’s best. With so much growth and potential, securing modern, sustainable connectivity for all is more urgent than ever.

“It would be remiss of me in bringing forward this adjournment debate not to use this opportunity to offer recognition and thanks to those individuals and groups who have worked hard to keep the Knockmore Line issue in the public domain.

“The Circle Line Belfast and Fund the Nine’s active campaigns to do better on our rail infrastructure, have caught public and media attention, as well as promoting the real benefits of offering rail services to residents, commuters, businesses, and tourists in the greater Belfast, South Antrim, East Antrim, and Lagan Valley areas, and beyond. The public profile and levels of engagement of these campaigns not only demonstrates the commitment of those involved, but also shows significant public interest in sustainable public transport solutions.”

“I again urge the Infrastructure Minister to make decisions on the Knockmore line at pace. Accessible, efficient, and reliable public transport is vital for enhancing citizens’ quality of life, regardless of location.

“Achieving this requires increased public investment and improved connectivity between rural and urban areas.

“My colleagues and I remain dedicated to addressing the ongoing shortcomings in our rural public transport system. We aim for an inclusive, efficient, and responsive network—one that serves all our constituents and meets our society’s growing needs.”

Sinn Féin MLA Declan Kearney added that investment in the line could help to transform the regional economy and modernize local transport infrastructure.

The South Antrim MLA said: “The reinstatement of the Knockmore Line should be seen as a strategic asset to enhance infrastructure and transport services, as well as a net contributor to economic growth and complementary to the expansion of the airport.

“There has been a dramatic growth in population within the wider Crumlin, Glenavy and Ballinderry area over the last 40 years with many commuting daily to Belfast, in particular to work and school.

“Restoration of this line is widely and correctly viewed as a key to mitigating transport pressures for local people.

“The loss of this key section of regional rail network has also adversely impacted on the potential for South Antrim and the overall region.

“This at a time when the airport is seeking to strategically position itself to attract increased airlines and flight routes, with the knock-on effect this will have for attracting investment, tourism and associated local employment growth.

“Significant investment in rail infrastructure and services will be essential to maximise the growth of the all-Ireland economy, and I am pleased that submissions by myself and others ensured inclusion of the Knockmore Line within the All-Island Strategic Rail review.

“It is important that we unlock all areas of opportunity in our economy. The restoration of the Knockmore Line is just such an opportunity with its potential for job creation, increased tourism and investment.

“Realising these opportunities will require ambition and of course the necessary capital investment, but delivery upon that strategic ambition will be to the benefit of not only South Antrim but also the wider region.