Ford welcomes Railway assurances from Minister

2.31.00pm GMT Mon 22nd Mar 2010

"the Minister agreed that timetables need to be kept under review and that this would be done before the delivery of the new rolling stock which is now on order."

South Antrim MLA David Ford has welcomed assurances from the Minister for Regional Development, Conor Murphy, that he will examine the railway timetable on the Northern Corridor.

Speaking in the Assembly, David Ford told the Minister that there were significant problems with the timetable on the line. He said that while it was welcome that the first northbound train now arrived in Derry before 9am, this means that those travelling from Mosley and Antrim to Ballymena now arrive before 8am or after 9am.

Commenting afterwards, David Ford said: "Answering my question, the Minister agreed that timetables need to be kept under review and that this would be done before the delivery of the new rolling stock which is now on order. He said that we should be seeking to maximise the use of public transport. I believe that the population in Antrim and Newtownabbey justifies our area being treated no worse than those who commute to the North West .

"I also had the chance to question that Minister on proposals for park and ride schemes and he has agreed to write to me about progress on the planned park and ride beside the railway and M2 at Ballymartin, Templepatrick."