Swann presses for Belfast Circle Line commitment amid rail review uncertainty

South Antrim MP Robin Swann

South Antrim MP Robin Swann has called for firm assurances that the proposed Belfast Circle Line will be delivered in line with the recommendations of the All-Island Strategic Rail Review (AISRR).

His intervention comes after Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd’s successor, Minister Kimmins, confirmed to Mr Swann that her Department “is not actively considering the Belfast Circle Line which was not identified in the AISRR.”

Mr Swann has argued that the Circle Line would not require new infrastructure beyond what is already proposed in the rail review, but would instead make better use of existing and planned rail lines.

“It should be noted that the Circle Line does not require additional infrastructure beyond what is proposed as part of the AISRR – the Circle Line is a route, using current lines and those proposed in the AISRR, and I would urge you to strongly consider implementing this line/route in the event of the implementation of the Review,” he told the Minister.

Minister’s response

In a written reply, Minister Kimmins said the Department was looking at all AISRR recommendations — including dualling the Monkstown–Antrim line, reopening the Lisburn–Antrim line with a link to Belfast International Airport, and creating a new station at Ballymartin.

However, she stressed that these were “not being actively considered as part of a Belfast Circle Line proposal” at this stage.

“If the introduction of these initiatives provides the necessary infrastructure for the Belfast Circle Line, then the delivery of this line would be an operational matter for Translink, taking into account the timetables and schedules of existing and new routes, including the enhanced service frequencies envisioned by the Rail Review,” she added.

Funding discussions

Following a direct question to the UK Transport Secretary, Mr Swann received further assurances that discussions on funding were ongoing.

“My officials facilitated a meeting between the Department for Infrastructure and the National Wealth Fund in January. This discussion explored potential opportunities to support the delivery of the Review’s recommendations, including funding and access to advisory services.

“We will continue to engage with the Department for Infrastructure on ways to improve the rail system in Northern Ireland, offering advice and support where appropriate,” the Secretary of State confirmed.

Next steps

Mr Swann has now written to Translink to ask whether the Circle Line could be scheduled if the recommended infrastructure upgrades were carried out, and whether any studies have been commissioned into potential increases in public transport use with improved rail connectivity.

“Improving rail connectivity is a key priority for me. Better connecting commuters, students and tourists via rail is long overdue and I look forward to Translink’s response, which I hope will bring encouraging news for the future of rail connectivity – the opening of the Antrim to Lisburn, Knockmore Line, would be an initial first step,” he said.

The Belfast Circle Line concept would create a continuous loop linking major urban and commuter areas, potentially improving frequency and flexibility for passengers while reducing road congestion. Advocates believe it could be delivered more quickly and cost-effectively by integrating it into existing infrastructure plans.