§ Mr. Robert McCartneyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will undertake an inquiry into the safety of the railway system in Northern Ireland. [99279]
§ Mr. George HowarthNIR has a statutory duty to ensure the safety of operations on the network.
NIR commissioned consultants in March this year to conduct a strategic safety review of NIO's network and operations.
The final report should be available shortly.
§ Mr. Robert McCartneyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he is taking to increase investment in the railway system outside the Belfast to Dublin line. [99280]
§ Mr. George HowarthWork has recently commenced on the reinstatement of the Antrim Bleach Green line at a cost of approximately £17 million. In addition, work on a new Bangor Interchange Centre is in progress at a cost of £4.2 million.
The Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland has also examined opportunities for a Public Private Partnership (PPP) to meet future investment needs. It is expected that an announcement on the way forward will be made in the near future.
18W
§ Mr. Robert McCartneyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he is taking to improve the state of the Northern Ireland Railway's rolling stock. [99281]
§ Mr. George HowarthIt is acknowledged that much of the NIR class 80 rolling stock is nearing the end of its useful life and will need to be replaced over the coming years. To this end the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland has been examining opportunities for a Public Private Partnership (PPP) to meet the investment needs. A report on PPP options is expected in the near future and an announcement will follow when decisions have been made on the way forward. In view of the time scales involved in bringing forward any PPP option the Department is also examining the interim funding that would be required for rolling stock replacement.