“The DUP has long championed the full implementation of the Union Connectivity Review, recognising the importance that good transport and connectivity within and across the United Kingdom has on economic growth, jobs and all aspects of our society.
There is much to be welcomed from the Government’s response, with almost £5million allocated to advance Northern Ireland’ connectivity.
This includes progressing plans for the electrification of the railway from Belfast to the Border and funding Translink to deliver feasibility studies to reopen both the Antrim-Lisburn railway line, with an additional stop at Belfast International Airport, and the reinstating of the Portadown to Armagh railway line. Projects which the Democratic Unionist Party fully support.
There will be clear disappointment that the Government at this stage, has not funded other projects including in Enniskillen and the North/West, however the previous Infrastructure Minister’s ambivalence to the Review, may go some way to explaining this outcome.
As a Party, we will work closely with the Government to ensure these projects get off the ground as soon as possible, to deliver the Infrastructure that Northern Ireland needs and deserves.