North's rail network given £48m boost
Translink is to be given £48m to upgrade its crumbling railway network, it was revealed today.
Regional Development Minister Peter Robinson announced the cash bonanza as he welcomed his department’s slice of the Northern Ireland budget.
Mr Robinson said much of the money given to the transport company will be invested in new rolling stock.
Public transport is the main winner in the department’s allocation with a sizeable 37% increase in revenue next year.
‘‘The additional resources, if approved by the Assembly, will be very welcome in a department where the historic under-funding of capital investment in Northern Ireland’s infrastructure has been particularly evident,’’ he said.
The minister said the increase of £2m in the roads budget would help provide funds for construction work on a number of vital bypasses.
Meanwhile, Mr Robinson today formally launched his Regional Development Strategy passed by the Assembly earlier this year.
The plan sets out proposed improvements to the North’s towns and cities and transport system for the next 25 years.
