Reconnecting communities: Translink unveils ambitious rail expansion plans for Northern Ireland

Translink has today (17 December 2025) published a landmark report detailing feasibility studies for four transformative rail projects, offering fresh hope for improved connectivity across Northern Ireland.

The document, Shaping the Future: A Rail Network for Northern Ireland, builds on the All-Island Strategic Rail Review and highlights schemes that could reconnect long-isolated communities, slash journey times, and support the shift to sustainable travel.

For many residents in areas cut off from the rail network decades ago, these proposals represent more than infrastructure upgrades – they symbolise renewed opportunity, easier access to jobs, education, and family, and a chance to reduce reliance on congested roads.

With rail passenger numbers already rebounding strongly, forecasting around 15 million journeys in 2025-26, the studies underscore growing public demand for better public transport options.

Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill CBE, Minister of State for Rail, praised the initiative:

“I am delighted to introduce this report, which sets out Translink’s bold aspirations for the future of the railway network in Northern Ireland. The analysis of schemes set out in this report provides a strong evidence base that will guide future decisions and ensure investment delivers real benefits for passengers, businesses and communities.”

The four projects, funded by the UK Department for Transport and supported by Northern Ireland’s Department for Infrastructure (DfI), include:

•  Electrification Phase 1: Belfast to the Border – Aiming for a greener Belfast-Dublin corridor with full 25kV overhead lines, promising reduced emissions, faster journeys, and increased capacity to help meet net-zero targets by 2050.

•  Re-opening the Antrim–Lisburn line with a link to Belfast International Airport – Reviving an 18.5-mile route closed since 2002, complete with new stations and direct airport access, potentially adding one million journeys annually and making travel easier for thousands of passengers.

•  Restoring the Portadown–Derry~Londonderry line – A 75-mile new alignment serving Dungannon, Omagh, Strabane~Lifford, and Derry~Londonderry, which could expand the network by over a third, generate three million journeys a year, and cut travel times dramatically – a lifeline for north-west communities long underserved by rail.

•  Restoring the Portadown–Armagh line – Bringing rail back to Armagh, Ireland’s only city without a connection, with journey times to Belfast of around 40 minutes and potential for 500,000 annual trips, fostering local economic and social ties.

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins emphasised the cross-border potential:

“Integration with cross-border services and the proposed enhancements set out as part of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review will help to enable seamless travel across Ireland, strengthening economic and social ties and ensuring that there is enhanced connectivity across the island.”

Chris Conway, Translink Group Chief Executive, highlighted the broader impact:

“These strategic schemes will be vital to realising a more modern, sustainable, and better-connected rail future for Northern Ireland, shaping a network that reflects the needs of today and the aspirations of tomorrow”.

He added that Translink is “grateful to both the Department for Infrastructure and the UK Department for Transport for their support and partnership, as well as to all stakeholders who have contributed to this important work.”

The studies confirm technical feasibility and strong demand, with projected benefits including doubled rail usage by 2050, significant modal shift from cars, and alignment with climate goals.

Delivering these schemes could drive inclusive growth, particularly in western and rural areas, while promoting social inclusion for those without access to private vehicles.

However, ministers and officials acknowledge the challenges ahead. Substantial funding will be required – with individual project costs ranging from hundreds of millions to billions – amid constrained budgets. DfI has allocated £1 million to keep momentum going until 2025/26, focusing on planning and stakeholder engagement.

For families separated by poor transport links, commuters facing long drives, or travellers eyeing more eco-friendly options, these proposals offer a glimpse of a more connected future. As the report stresses, improved rail is “about people” – ensuring every citizen, regardless of location, has access to opportunity and mobility.

The full report is available at www.translink.co.uk/shapingthefuture, providing a detailed roadmap for what could become a defining chapter in Northern Ireland’s transport story.

With political will and investment, these tracks could soon carry passengers towards a brighter, more unified tomorrow.