MP tables Westminster motion on re-opening of railway line

SOUTH Antrim MP Robin Swann has intensified his campaign to reopen the Antrim to Lisburn (Knockmore) railway line by tabling an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons, calling on the Government and the Northern Ireland Executive to prioritise the project.

The motion highlights the strategic importance of the line, which would reconnect Antrim, Crumlin, Glenavy, and Ballinderry to Lisburn and provide a long-awaited rail link to Belfast International Airport.

Mr Swann has criticised the ‘lack of ambition’ shown by the Department for Infrastructure, which recently suggested a delivery timeframe of up to ten years with a price tag of up to £500m.

He has argued that work on a formal business case should start without any further delay.

The project has seen a huge level of local support, with over 1,200 residents recently signing Swann’s open letter to the Infrastructure Minister demanding progress.

Translink Feasibility Study key findings suggest the reopened line could generate up to one million additional passenger journeys every year.

The motion also acknowledges the role of the UK Department for Transport, which funded the feasibility study, and calls for the full report to be published to allow for proper public scrutiny.

Mr Swann commented on his motion: “The demand is there, the feasibility is proven and the public support is overwhelming.

“I have brought this to Parliament to ensure the project stays at the top of the agenda. We need to see more ambition from the Department.

“The tracks are already there, so there is no reason why we cannot move faster.

“I will keep pushing both the government here in Westminster and the Minister at home to make sure this vital investment in our infrastructure actually gets delivered.”