Speaking at the Forum, yesterday, the Minister said: "I welcome the opportunity to be in Valencia to speak about railway policy in the North of Ireland and how developing public transport can help to achieve economic recovery at this time."
The Minister explained that investment in railway services had increased considerably since the devolution of powers to local politicians here, saying: "Over the past six years, funding of over £200million has been invested for capital projects across the railways network, and over the same period revenue funding of some £130million to meet public service obligation requirements. Future investment includes the purchase of another 20 new trains at a cost of some £105million, with £37million earmarked to fund a new train maintenance facility and a series of platform extensions. A major track relay is also planned for Coleraine to Derry with work due to commence in 2012."
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Speaking about the improving railway service in the North the Minister said: "There has been a transformation in the quality, comfort and reliability of the railway services. Passenger numbers are increasing rapidly and there is great encouragement for more people to use train services rather than the private car. Through continued investment in public transport services, public transport now delivers over 79 million passenger journeys each year across the bus and rail network- a rise of seven million in the last four years, and evidence that more people are choosing sustainable transport options."
On his commitment to sustainable transport, the Minister commented: "I established a new capability within my department last year, with a specific priority of developing more sustainable travel and transport arrangements, and recently I hosted a seminar in Brussels on transport as part of the EU Sustainable Energy Week. I am committed to providing a modern, sustainable, safe transportation system which benefits society, the economy and the environment, and which actively contributes to social inclusion and quality of life."
(NS/GK)
