Let Train Take The Strain: MLA

The decision to call a 'halt' to a proposal for a passenger rail facility - or rail halt - to service the fast-growing commercial development at the Holywood Exchange has been slammed by an East Belfast MLA.

The DUP's Robin Newton said that despite a significant rise in passenger numbers on the busy Bangor-Belfast rail link, the NI Executive's Minister for Regional Development, Conor Murphy has ruled out the provision of additional halts even though they would assist the buying public, passengers to the airport and help underpin the business development potential of this increasingly popular trading area.

"I am disappointed that in his response to a written question the Minister has confirmed the huge increase in the passengers travelling by rail between Belfast and Bangor but has ruled out additional halts on the rail line.

"In 2004/05 the passenger numbers were 1,517,300 and this increased to 1,860,700 in 2005/06," he said.

"I believe that the increasing numbers of passengers on the Belfast to Bangor line presents an opportunity to increase business and convenience levels for customers and passengers at the new bulk retailing stores at the Holywood Exchange and the George Best Belfast City Airport," Robin Newton said.

He noted these are significant numbers that are travelling past the front doors of Ikea, B&Q, and Sainsbury's and said that with the expected opening of the adjacent vacant property at Holywood Exchange there is the potential for even greater business activity in the area.

"Northern Ireland now benefits from a number of day-shoppers who travel to Belfast via NIR’s Enterprise service from the Republic and most of these shoppers want to visit Ikea - but the store currently has no rail links.

"I am therefore calling on the Minister to reconsider his decision not to provide a halt(s) in the vicinity of these major business developments.

"The Minister should think again and consider the economy's needs and job opportunities as he undertakes rail and road network improvements."

(BMcC)