Submission on Northern Ireland Rail Strategy
Monday, August 28, 2000
The Institute is seriously concerned to learn of the doubts that have been expressed in relation to the future of the Northern Ireland railways network, particularly the Belfast suburban lines and the line to Londonderry. Our concern as an organisation that represents professional town planners stems from our strong belief in the role that public and particularly rail transport has to play in providing modal choice in both urban and inter-city passenger contexts thereby furthering the objectives of sustainable development.
Furthering accessibility to rapid and efficient transport to those sections of society who do not have access to a car thereby furthering the objectives of social inclusion.
Strengthening the physical linkages that underpin the economic development of areas in a strategic and spatial sense thereby permitting communication, interaction, innovation and competitiveness.
The Institute is aware of the scale of investment required to bring the northern network outside of the premium Dublin-Belfast “Enterprise” service up to standard and it is understandable that Government should consider carefully the merits of such a scale of expenditure before committing itself. The Institute is confident, however, that when the issues raised by partial closure of the network or curtailment of services is considered, the benefits of a high quality rail network in the future will be clear to see.