Irish Governments see positive future for rail beyond lockdown
TRANSLINK boss Chris Conway appeared before the Infrastructure Committee of the Northern Ireland Assembly on June 3, to give an update on the company’s performance during the coronavirus pandemic.
He reported that passenger journeys by bus and rail had fallen on average by 90% since the start of the lockdown in March – with only 80,000 recorded in April at the height of the crisis so far, down from the usual monthly figure of seven million.
Mr Conway added that there would be a shortfall in the company’s finances of around £130 million over the next year and that revenue was currently “next to nothing”.
NI Infrastructure Minister Nicola Mallon issued a statement on June 16, reaffirming her commitment to the long-term future of the Belfast to Londonderry line. Lobby group “Into the West” had questioned the delay in progressing the third phase of the Coleraine to Londonderry upgrade project, but the minister said a feasibility study was required first and this would be carried out later this year.
Upgrading of the Coleraine to Castlerock section, and from the former station at Eglinton to the outskirts of Londonderry, has seen parts of these passed for 75mph and 90mph running respectively. However, much of the other sections remain to be upgraded so the 70mph limit can be increased.
IRISH RAIL COMMITMENT
Meanwhile in the Republic of Ireland the new coalition Government Elect released its Programme of Government Statement on June 16, including its policy for public transport. The main points in respect of the railway were to ensure a national integrated public transport system with an integrated timetable and ticketing.
The Government also pledged to protect existing services by continuing to ensure the level of Passenger Service Obligation (PSO) grant is adequate to maintain and improve service capacity and frequency.
Also included in the document was a commitment to prioritise rail projects in Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford on existing and unused lines plus rail connections at ports for passenger and freight traffic.
The Government committed to evaluating reopening further sections of the Western Rail Corridor, extension of Dublin’s DART electrified network, fleet expansion, improvement of journey times, enhancement of commuter services and reduction of emissions.
■ Construction of the new National Train Control Centre at Dublin Heuston commenced in mid-June. The fivestorey building will occupy part of the up-side yard, and when commissioned will control around 250,000 train movements annually. It will replace the existing CTC facility at Connolly, which dates from the 1970s. A €32 million, 15-year contract to develop an advanced traffic management system has been awarded to Spanish company Indra Sistemas, whose personnel will be based at the new centre.
Rationalisation of the up sidings at Connolly station in connection with the construction of the €200 million Connolly Quarter commercial and residential development, commenced in early June.