Derry rail line improvements completed by December 2027

The announcement funding has been secured for the Phase 3 works on the Derry to Belfast railway line has been welcomed.

However, community activists have expressed concern regarding the Department for Infrastructure’s decision not to publish the feasibility study into the creation of new halts on the line, at Eglington / City of Derry Airport, Strathfoyle and Ballykelly.

According to DfI, this feasibility study is due to be completed in the second quarter of this year and will also consider the introduction of half hourly train services on the Derry to Belfast service.

Speaking to Derry Now, Paul Hughes from Enagh Youth Forum said the feasibility study had been successfully lobbied for by the Into The West rail lobby group.

Mr Hughes added: “A new rail halt at Strathfoyle would achieve a five minute travel time into the centre of Derry.

“Having new community rail halts at Strathfoyle, Eglinton and Ballykelly creates local connections. It helps rail to be community focused as well as promoting healthy and sustainable travel.

“Just like greenways, new rail halts would go some way in helping to combat some of the worst effects of rural isolation and social exclusion in our rural areas.

“There is more than enough land available that could facilitate this and a new rail halt would be of a great benefit to local people and complement the soon to be opened Strathfoyle Greenway.”

Mr Hughes said that Strathfoyle residents had been looking forward to hearing more on the proposed halts and were disappointed the findings of the feasibility study were not to be published.

In a letter to Enagh Youth Forum, seen by Derry News, the Department for Infrastructure said: “The [railway halts] project will be subject to the necessary approval processes as well as the need to secure a budget to take forward the project, should it demonstrate value for money.

“As part of this work, consideration will be given to understanding what works could be undertaken at the same time as the Phase 3 project.

“This study will consider the greenway development at Strathfoyle to ensure that any project taken forward connects our communities as we work towards a carbon neutral public transport network.

“The Department would note that feasibility studies are not published following their completion.”

Giving a qualified welcome to the announcement of funding for the Phase 3 works on the Derry to Belfast Railway line, Derry City and Strabane District councillor, Maeve O’Neill (People Before Profit) said: “What would have been welcome would have been funding for phase 3a, developing halts at Strathfoyle and Eglinton, developing real commuter solutions for those living on the outskirts of the city.”

Cllr O’Neill added: “It is welcome news money has been secured for the Phase 3 works on the Derry to Belfast rail line, but this is 10 years overdue. The works will not be completed until 2026 / 2027 so we must continue to wait for an improved line.

"But the North West continues to get crumbs when it comes to rail investment.

"What would have been welcome would have been funding for a feasibility study to reopen the old Derry to Portadown line. All indications from the All Ireland Rail Review and from previous ministers for Infrastructure have been to develop that line.

"But still, we are expected to be overjoyed with essential works that were supposed to be done a decade ago. The climate crisis warrants much more urgent action on transport. But only pressure from below will ensure we realise our rail ambitions."

According to the Department for Infrastructure, a letter of offer has been issued to Translink regarding the Phase 3 works on the Derry to Belfast railway line.

A spokesperson for the department said: “Following approval of the outline business case for the Phase 3 Coleraine to Derry Rail project, the Department has issued a letter of offer to Translink to take forward this important project for the North West which will help secure this section of the railway for future generations.

“This major civil engineering project involves renewing the entire track bed including ballast and sleepers between Castlerock and Eglington. This includes the upgrading of structures to accommodate the track relay, associated drainage works and will allow for speed increases of the line to 90mph where possible, depending on physical infrastructure.

“Translink is now taking forward work to undertake detailed design, procure a contractor, and purchase the required materials.

“Subject to the approval of a full business case and funding being available in future budgets, construction work on the Phase 3 project is scheduled to be carried out from August 2025 until the end of 2027.”

Confirmation of the "long overdue" funding for Phase Three of the Derry railway line was welcomed by SDLP Infrastructure spokesperson Mark H Durkan MLA.

The Foyle MLA said: “I am delighted that after years of delays funding has finally been secured for this vital project. The SDLP has remained steadfast in our commitment to deliver this for the North’s second city.

"This long-promised upgrade has faced a stop-start approach from the outset, phase three Derry to Coleraine became somewhat of a pipedream with the department casting doubt over its future. Thanks to previous Infrastructure Minister Mallon, this perpetually postponed railway development was put back on track.

“Derry has been kept isolated by subpar infrastructure and no deeper is the East-West divide felt than in relation to transport. This rail upgrade will go a long way in addressing the regional imbalance and better connecting communities throughout the region. This project will provide a lifeline towards a brighter future for this city.

“The delivery of phase three will not only make it easier for people from Derry to travel to other parts of the North, but will have huge benefits in our fight to tackle the climate crisis. By making it easier for people to choose to leave their own vehicles at home and use public transport, it will reduce congestion and the harmful emissions that many of our vehicles produce."

SDLP Economy spokesperson Sinead McLaughlin commented: “Improved public transport for Derry is an integral cog in attracting investors and businesses into the North West and allowing our city to reach its full potential.

“Improved transport links will also make it easier for people to travel to the city, for work, for tourism or to shop.

“Delivery of the phase three rail line will be utterly transformational for the local economy and will kickstart higher levels of investment for the region.”

The Phase 3 railway line funding was also welcomed by Sinn Féin Foyle MLAs Ciara Ferguson and Pádraig Delargy.