In his response the Minister states “I intend to make an announcement about the award of contract prior to the end of this financial year and I can confirm good progress has been made with the procurement exercise. The first of the batch of 20 new trains is scheduled to be introduced to passenger service by 2011 with the final set in 2013. This will allow the old trains currently in service on the Larne line to be replaced.”
Mr. Neeson has long campaigned for the improvement of the rail system in Northern Ireland and was a leading supporter of the “Save Our Trains” group. He said: “It is hoped that the Minister will make his announcement about the new trains before the end of the month and I am pleased about his assurance that these new trains will be used on the Larne Line.”
ENDS