Tourist train mooted for Londonderry line

Rail Minister Conor Murphy confirmed that "initial discussions for a 'tourist train' pilot product on the Derry Line which would be widely promoted to the tourist market - groups and individuals" have taken place.

The Minister said his Department is working closely with colleagues in DETI and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) to ensure that the needs of tourism are built into Transport Plans and Strategies within the context of current budget plans and relevant Transportation and Development Strategy.

The "tourist train" would tie in with a range of strategies and marketing promotions planned for the Belfast to Dublin Enterprise link over the next five years.

Londonderry will benefit from the Enterprise link through the mooted "tourist train" as well as through other promotions such as the Translink Summer Tourism Campaign for rail and bus services; the promotion of cross-border rail travel to event organisers and group travel operators; and the 'NI Breaks' product - public transport and accommodation packages in Northern Ireland and targeting the Republic of Ireland and the domestic market.

Mr Murphy revealed the information in response to a query tabled at the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Meanwhile, it was also confirmed that an economic appraisal for a project to relay the railway between Londonderry and Coleraine is due in March with work expected to begin on the line next year.

Mr Murphy advised the track relay was proceeding as planned and Translink are currently in the process of preparing the economic appraisal

He confirmed that the project was subject to approvals and available funding and that the preliminary work is planned to commence in 2011.Asked by East Londonderry MLA George Robinson if the signalling system will be modernised during any relay the Minister confirmed it would but the exact specifications have not been finalised.

The Minister stated: "With the advances in technology in the field of rail operations, Translink have indicated that it is their intention to explore the feasibility of centralising signalling in the North West into the Coleraine signal cabin following the re-lay of track between Coleraine and Derry and upgrade of the signalling system.

"The design and specification of such a scheme have not yet been finalised, however staff representatives have been appraised of these long-term plans and will be kept updated through further regular in-house consultation meetings."