Menu
15/03/2011
Larne Train Upgrade 'Steams Ahead'
New trains that are due to roll into Larne and along a busy commuter rail link in east Antrim have been warmly welcomed by a local MLA.
Ulster Unionist Ken Robinson (pictured) has welcomed the arrival of the first of the 20 new Class 4000 trains in Belfast.
The MLA and councillor - who is Newtownabbey Borough Council's representative on the Larne Line Passenger Group - said: "I have lobbied long and hard with Translink officials and Transport Minister Conor Murphy to ensure that these new trains make their first appearance on the Larne line.
"I am delighted that the first set has now arrived and that we will see them in regular service on this route later in the year.
"They represent an investment in public transport and ensure that the railways can offer a modern, comfortable and reliable alternative form of sustainable transport," he said.
"These trains together with ongoing extensions to existing platforms to enable them to accommodate longer sets if required show how much the railways have been improved since the advent of the devolved Assembly.
"These improvements plus the ongoing addition of extra Park & Ride facilities at stations along the Larne line should help to persuade more motorists to let the train take the strain instead of sitting in endless traffic jams," he continued.
"It is important that passenger numbers continue to rise and I would appeal to those who could add further to these figures, especially between Larne Harbour and Whitehead, to take every opportunity to experience the improved levels of comfort that the 3000 class and this new 4000 class rolling stock can provide."
He was speaking this week as the Sinn Fein Minister, Conor Murphy welcomed the arrival of the first of 20 brand new 'Class 4000' trains at Belfast docks on Monday while the main contractor has also been appointed for an associated £15m construction project.
That deal will see extra buildings erected to service an expanding fleet of trains across Northern Ireland.
John Graham (Dromore) Ltd is to enjoy a modest boost as its staff get to work on the new centre which is to be used for the maintenance and cleaning of a series of new trains being purchased by Translink.
In a boost for the local construction sector, the main construction work is expected to commence in early April for a contract period estimated at 18 months. The value of the scheme is in the region of £15m.
See: Translink Builds £15m Train-care Project
(BMcC/KMcA)
Ulster Unionist Ken Robinson (pictured) has welcomed the arrival of the first of the 20 new Class 4000 trains in Belfast.
The MLA and councillor - who is Newtownabbey Borough Council's representative on the Larne Line Passenger Group - said: "I have lobbied long and hard with Translink officials and Transport Minister Conor Murphy to ensure that these new trains make their first appearance on the Larne line.
"I am delighted that the first set has now arrived and that we will see them in regular service on this route later in the year.
"They represent an investment in public transport and ensure that the railways can offer a modern, comfortable and reliable alternative form of sustainable transport," he said.
"These trains together with ongoing extensions to existing platforms to enable them to accommodate longer sets if required show how much the railways have been improved since the advent of the devolved Assembly.
"These improvements plus the ongoing addition of extra Park & Ride facilities at stations along the Larne line should help to persuade more motorists to let the train take the strain instead of sitting in endless traffic jams," he continued.
"It is important that passenger numbers continue to rise and I would appeal to those who could add further to these figures, especially between Larne Harbour and Whitehead, to take every opportunity to experience the improved levels of comfort that the 3000 class and this new 4000 class rolling stock can provide."
He was speaking this week as the Sinn Fein Minister, Conor Murphy welcomed the arrival of the first of 20 brand new 'Class 4000' trains at Belfast docks on Monday while the main contractor has also been appointed for an associated £15m construction project.
That deal will see extra buildings erected to service an expanding fleet of trains across Northern Ireland.
John Graham (Dromore) Ltd is to enjoy a modest boost as its staff get to work on the new centre which is to be used for the maintenance and cleaning of a series of new trains being purchased by Translink.
In a boost for the local construction sector, the main construction work is expected to commence in early April for a contract period estimated at 18 months. The value of the scheme is in the region of £15m.
See: Translink Builds £15m Train-care Project
(BMcC/KMcA)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
30 September 2021
New Train Carriages Introduced As Part Of £66m Investment
New train carriages have been introduced into NI's rail services for the first time as part of a £66million project to transform railway infrastructure.
New Train Carriages Introduced As Part Of £66m Investment
New train carriages have been introduced into NI's rail services for the first time as part of a £66million project to transform railway infrastructure.
10 October 2007
Plot Thickens As Aer Lingus Pilots Play Their Ace
Despite the suspension of five pilots at Aer Lingus, the threat of a possible strike has receded. Management carried out its threat to begin suspending pilots refusing to train new recruits in a dispute over pay and conditions for the airline's planned new hub at Belfast.
Plot Thickens As Aer Lingus Pilots Play Their Ace
Despite the suspension of five pilots at Aer Lingus, the threat of a possible strike has receded. Management carried out its threat to begin suspending pilots refusing to train new recruits in a dispute over pay and conditions for the airline's planned new hub at Belfast.
05 June 2023
Up To 20 Involved In Fight At Ballymoney Train Station
Police are appealing for information following a fight at a Balleymoney Train Station in County Antrim. Up to 20 people were reportedly fighting on a train in the Seymour Street area at around 9.45pm on Saturday. A glass bottle was thrown and smashed and a 14-year-old boy who was injured was taken to hospital.
Up To 20 Involved In Fight At Ballymoney Train Station
Police are appealing for information following a fight at a Balleymoney Train Station in County Antrim. Up to 20 people were reportedly fighting on a train in the Seymour Street area at around 9.45pm on Saturday. A glass bottle was thrown and smashed and a 14-year-old boy who was injured was taken to hospital.
08 November 2017
Renewed Appeal For Missing Man Peter Quigley
Police have issued a fresh appeal for information to trace a man who went missing four years ago. Peter Quigley from Newry is believed to have been last seen at Moira train station on 26 September 2013 at around 11am.
Renewed Appeal For Missing Man Peter Quigley
Police have issued a fresh appeal for information to trace a man who went missing four years ago. Peter Quigley from Newry is believed to have been last seen at Moira train station on 26 September 2013 at around 11am.
28 July 2017
Public Consultation Launches To Redevelop Portrush Train Station
A public consultation has been launched to redevelop Portrush Train Station, Co Antrim. Translink plans to invest £5.5million in the new development. Work on the new station is expected to be completed in Spring 2019, subject to planning approval.
Public Consultation Launches To Redevelop Portrush Train Station
A public consultation has been launched to redevelop Portrush Train Station, Co Antrim. Translink plans to invest £5.5million in the new development. Work on the new station is expected to be completed in Spring 2019, subject to planning approval.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Gale, coastal severe gale, northwest winds ease from late afternoon. Scattered showers will fall as snow over the hills at first, becoming isolated from mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
