To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for an update on a feasibility study into the reopening of the Knockmore railway line.

Ms Kimmins

I confirm that Translink received funding through the Department for Transport's Union connectivity fund to undertake a feasibility study regarding the reopening of the railway line between Lisburn and Antrim. As well as considering engineering requirements, demand forecasting and cost estimates, the study is considering reopening the three stations previously in operation on the line at Ballinderry, Glenavy and Crumlin. In addition, three locations for a new station at Belfast International Airport are being appraised to identify the preferred option. The report is due to be completed in spring 2025, so, hopefully, in the next few weeks. I look forward to reviewing its recommendations on how to improve connectivity across our island.

Ms Kimmins

Maybe I could come back to the Member on that in writing. I have not become aware of any since I have come into post. I can double-check that with the Department and come back to you in writing.

Mr Gildernew

Comhghairdeas leat faoi do chéad Tráth na gCeist, a Aire, agus ádh mór ort.

Can you update the House on the development of projects proposed under the all-Ireland rail review, Minister?

Ms Kimmins

Go raibh maith agat, a Cholm. My Department continues to work with our colleagues in the Department of Transport, supported by the European Investment Bank (EIB), to consider the recommendations in the review and identify the rail interventions that could be well advanced or delivered over the next decade to 2035. Rail services on the island are already being developed towards the report's vision. That includes an increase in the hourly train service between Dublin and Belfast, while procurement has also started on a new faster and more sustainable Enterprise train fleet for the Dublin to Belfast route. We hope to see that in place by 2029. In addition to the reopening of the Knockmore line, Translink has other feasibility studies ongoing that are linked to recommendations in the rail review and are due to report by spring/summer this year. I will then need to consider which projects to prioritise as funding opportunities become available. The outcomes from the EIB work and the ongoing feasibility studies will help to inform that. Just last week, I attended my first North/South Ministerial Council (NSMC) meeting and was delighted to meet my counterpart in the South, Minister O'Brien. That issue was high on the agenda. I look forward to continuing that work with my colleagues in the South.

Mr Buckley

The Minister will know that there is a lot of excitement across Northern Ireland about the potential reopening of old lines. In particular, one that is well known to her, as it is to me, is the Portadown to Armagh railway line in our constituencies. Following on from her answer to the previous question, what engagement will there be with local communities when the Department decides whether to advance a line?

Ms Kimmins

Yes, I am aware of that line in particular, given that it goes through my constituency as well. With all of the projects, engagement and consultation with communities are critical. While we await the outcome of the feasibility studies, we will consider, in the next steps, what that consultation will look like. I hope to see further progress on that in the very near future.

Mr McNulty

The Minister's Department deserves huge credit for the hourly Enterprise service between Belfast and Dublin. It is a game changer for public transport, so well done. Will the Minister please give an update on the reopening of the Armagh to Portadown line?

Ms Kimmins

I thank the Member for his comments. The Enterprise service that he alludes to has been highly successful. We have seen a 49% increase in passengers, which is a success story in itself for public transport. The Portadown to Armagh line, with an onward connection to Mullingar, was identified as a medium-term intervention in the all-island strategic rail review in support of the recommendation to develop the railway to boost connectivity in the north midlands. The feasibility study builds on an initial study that was funded by the Department and carried out by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council in 2022. Initial outcomes from the study suggest that there is sufficient forecast demand between Armagh and Belfast and in the local urban corridor of Portadown, Lurgan and Lisburn and that journey times will be competitive with the car. It is anticipated that the feasibility study report will be available in the coming weeks, and I will study its recommendations when I receive it.

Mr Speaker

Question No 5 has been withdrawn.