Councillor Shaun Harkin slams 'inadequate' response from Infrastructure Minister to rail timetable disparity

Derry City and Strabane District councillor Shaun Harkin (People Before Profit) described as “inadequate” Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins’ response to Council regarding its “demand for rail timetable disparity to be urgently”.

“The response doesn't cut it,” said Cllr Harkin.

“Rail campaigners have long pointed out the lack of morning, evening and Sunday rail provision for the Derry line and called for it to be addressed as a matter of regional equality,” he added. “This position has been adopted by Derry and Strabane District Council.

“My proposals in Council calling on Minister Kimmins to agree funding to address timetable disparity has received unanimous support, including from her Sinn Féin colleagues.

“It is very disappointing and frustrating that Minister Kimmins can't commit to addressing this blatant injustice, especially in the context of the massive increase in the use of the Derry line.

“The rail upgrade work on the Derry line that Minister Kimmins points to is basic maintenance that is done elsewhere as a matter of course. When people here are told that the rail tracks on the Derry line are ‘second-hand’ resulting in slower speeds, it only acts to confirm ‘second-class’ treatment.

“Expanding rail is a central strategy for tackling traffic congestion, pollution, accessibility and affordability. All of these are massive issues in Derry. Increasing rail provision is also key to Magee University expansion. Increasing public transport can make it easier and possible for students to travel to and live in Derry without a car,” said Cllr Harkin.

He added: “We have been told addressing regional disparity would be a Stormont priority. It's time for action on blatant rail timetable disparity."