“This level of public engagement underlines the importance of the project, which would reconnect Lisburn and Antrim via Glenavy and Crumlin and finally deliver rail access to Belfast International Airport.”
More than 1,200 residents in South Antrim have signed an open letter calling for the reopening of the Knockmore trainline to service Belfast International Airport.
The Knockmore Line serves as part of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review, and the Infrastructure Minister had previously indicated that she would provide a response to the feasibility study on the reopening of the line in Autumn, but she has yet to do so.
South Antrim MP Robin Swann said that the response to the open letter was “exceptional”, with over 1,200 people adding their names during the week that the letter was open for signatures.
The South Antrim MP said: “I want to express my thanks to everyone who took the time to sign. The number of signatures gathered in such a short period shows just how strongly people across South Antrim and beyond feel about the Knockmore Line. It is an issue with very broad support from every community.
“This level of public engagement underlines the importance of the project, which would reconnect Lisburn and Antrim via Glenavy and Crumlin and finally deliver rail access to Belfast International Airport.
“Our local towns and villages have been clear about the economic, social and connectivity benefits this line would bring. Local residents want to see progress, and they want clarity about when it’s going to happen. The support shown through this letter reinforces that message.”
In the letter to Minister Kimmins, Mr Swann notes that the Department had previously indicated the feasibility study would be completed in the summer, followed by a ministerial response in the autumn. More recently, an update was said to be expected “in the coming months.”
Mr Swann said: “It is important that a definite timeline is set out. People deserve to know when the feasibility study will be published, when a decision will be made and what the next steps will be.”
The letter also asks the Minister to give a clear commitment to the project, recognising its long-term value for Glenavy, Crumlin, Aldergrove, Antrim and the wider area.
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our politics newsletter here.
#hails #exceptional #response #open #letter #calling #reopening #Knockmore #train #line
