§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government;
What is the current position on the proposal for a rapid transit system from North Down to Belfast [HL6005]
§ Lord Williams of Mostyn:The Regional Transportation Strategy for Northern Ireland 2002–12 identifies a range of strategic transportation investment priorities including the commencement of a rapid transit network for Belfast. The strategy also considers potential funding sources and affordability of initiatives. Commitments to proceed with any major capital schemes will be subject to the normal budgetary process, economic appraisal and the conclusion of any statutory procedures. At present, no budgetary provision has been made for such a project.
The development of a rapid transit network is being further considered in the context of the Belfast Metropolitan Transport Plan, which is currently being prepared. The network could, for example, include services from North Down to the city centre, partly along the Comber rail line bed. This is an innovative concept and a dedicated project team will be established to undertake further work on it, subject to the availability of resources.