To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) whether future rail connectivity options for North Belfast have been considered as part of Translink’s long-term network planning; and (ii) whether locations such as Giant’s Park and Loughside have been assessed, given their planned regeneration and proximity to the existing rail network.

The All Island Strategic Rail Review included a recommendation that consideration be given to new stations in the Belfast and Derry city regions. As set out in the Project Prioritisation Strategy, new stations will be progressed as “business as usual”, subject to the necessary approvals and funding. This means that Translink will consider the need for additional stations through their usual network planning process.

Translink currently has no plans to develop a new station at Giant Park in the short to medium term. Its modelling of the wider network has indicated that provision of any further railway halts on the Larne /Antrim line between Whiteabbey and York Street could only be considered following capacity increases, either through the introduction of battery-electric trains or infrastructure enhancements.