To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what plans she has to improve rural transport in East Londonderry.

Since coming into office, I have been clear that it is my priority to address regional imbalance, tackle the climate crisis and better connect communities across Ireland. I am committed to improving transport connectivity for the benefit of our economy and communities across the North.

Our rail network, whilst relatively small, does present a unique opportunity to improve the sustainability of the Department’s transport operations and so help address climate change.

In 2020, I ring fenced funding to get Phase 3 of the Coleraine to Derry rail line back on track. The core objective of the Coleraine to Derry Phase 3 renewals project is to deliver a fully renewed permanent way asset of over 20 miles of track between Castlerock and Eglinton. In conjunction with the proposed signalling changes, this will facilitate an increase in the current permanent speed restriction from 70mph to 90mph over most of the route. Translink has now submitted the Economic Appraisal for the project and this is currently being considered.

In addition Translink is currently conducting a feasibility study to consider the opportunity to include additional passing loops at Strathfoyle, Eglinton/City of Derry Airport and Ballykelly with a view to a half hourly service between Derry and Belfast. ,

In partnership with my counterpart in the Irish Department for Transport, Eamon Ryan TD, we announced in April 2021 a joint All-Island Strategic Rail Review to look into improving rail connectivity between major cities, and extending accessibility. This is an ambitious piece of work that will help inform our decision making and investment in our rail network for years to come, and will explore the opportunities to better connect communities not just in East Derry but much further afield and will open up opportunities for our island economy. It is anticipated that the review will be completed by the end of 2022.

Officials are currently developing a new suite of transport plans. The Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan (RSTNTP) is the first in line for completion, which will set out future investment for our strategic transport networks, by road, rail and bus. The Plans will reflect the Minister’s commitment to improving connectivity for the benefit of our economy and communities across the North. The RSTNTP will be subject to public consultation and I will be pleased to consider representations on suggestions to improve strategic transport in East Derry as part of this consultation.