01.07.15
Northern Ireland wins EU funds for rail upgrades
Northern Ireland is set to receive £17m in European funding to upgrade parts of its rail network.
Up to €14.4m (£10.2m) of EU funding has been allocated to the upgrading of the Coleraine to Derry/Londonderry rail line, while the rehabilitation of tracks on the Knockmore to Lurgan rail line will receive around €9.7m (£6.8m).
Funding for the two schemes has been made available through the Connecting Europe Facility.
The announcement comes after NI transport minister Danny Kennedy met with the European transport commissioner Violeta Bulc.
Speaking at Translink’s York Road maintenance depot, Kennedy said: “This is great news and a further significant investment in our railways. It is also a further demonstration of my successful track record in drawing down European Funding.
“Competition for the funding was unprecedented, with 700 applications submitted, totalling €36bn of requested funding, three times more than that which was available.
“Given the level of over subscription, my department has been extremely successful. This highlights the importance of active engagement in Europe.”
The proposed funding decision must now be formally adopted by the Connecting Europe Facility Committee, which will meet on 10 July 2015.
Tell us what you think – have your say below or email [email protected]