Swann welcomes progress on Antrim-Lisburn rail line feasibility study

South Antrim MP Robin Swann has confirmed that the long-anticipated feasibility study for the Knockmore rail line—connecting Antrim, Belfast International Airport, and Lisburn—has now been submitted to the Department for Infrastructure, with a formal response expected later this autumn.

The news marks a significant step forward in plans to improve rail connectivity in Northern Ireland, though concerns over funding remain.

Speaking about the update, Mr Swann said:

“Greater rail connectivity across Northern Ireland is well overdue and I am pleased that the long-awaited feasibility study has now been completed. Connecting Antrim and Lisburn via rail, and the rest of the rail network to our International Airport, will be invaluable for commuters, tourism and increased usage of public transport.”

Mr Swann revealed that the Minister for Infrastructure has confirmed departmental officials are currently reviewing the feasibility report, and the findings will be published in the coming months. However, budget constraints may impact the project’s progression.

“I am concerned, however, that the Minister has also said that she has not yet taken decisions on the Department’s 2025–26 budget outcome and that this may require some difficult decisions and that ‘bearing down on costs will be essential to protect essential public services,’” the MP noted.

While hopes remain high for the Knockmore Line, the Infrastructure Minister has definitively ruled out the possibility of progressing a wider Belfast Circle Line, telling Mr Swann that:

“‘The Department is not actively considering the Belfast Circle Line which was not identified in the AISRR.’”

Mr Swann has also raised the matter at Westminster, calling for stronger UK Government engagement on rail infrastructure in Northern Ireland. Addressing the Secretary of State for Transport in Parliament, he asked:

“The Northern Ireland Minister for Infrastructure informed me this morning that her Department is working with the Department for Transport and the European Investment Bank on the recommendations in the all-island strategic rail review… Can the Secretary of State provide any further update on what support the Government can provide or what engagement she has had with the Department of Infrastructure in Northern Ireland or the European Investment Bank on what will be a critical piece of investment in my constituency of South Antrim?”

In response, the Secretary of State said:

“Although I have not personally had any direct engagement, it may be that the Rail Minister or my officials have, and so I would be happy to write back to the hon. Gentleman to update him on any collaboration that is taking place in this respect.”

With the feasibility study now complete and under review, stakeholders across Northern Ireland will be closely watching for the Department’s response and clarity on future funding—particularly with public transport seen as a vital component of sustainable regional development.