To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail his Department's plans for the development of the Circle Line in the transportation network, including the proposed route and the projected timeline for implementation.

The Department, in conjunction with the Department of Transport in Dublin, is in the process of finalising the All-Island Strategic Rail Review (AISRR) which will guide the future development of rail in NI and help determine the priorities for the region.

The Review’s recommendations include improving existing rail-airport connections at George Best Airport and reinstating the railway between Lisburn and Antrim to enable Belfast International Airport to be connected to the railway network. While these two recommendations, if implemented, will contribute to the proposed route of the Belfast Circle Line, the Department is not actively considering the Belfast Circle Line proposal currently.

In terms of timescales for implementation of these two recommendations, once the AISRR is finalised and published, further work will be required to prioritise the recommendations, undertake feasibility studies and develop business cases before any decisions in relation to future investment are taken.

I can however confirm that Translink have received funding through the Union Connectivity Review to undertake a feasibility study for the re-opening of the line between Lisburn and Antrim and that study has now commenced. It will consider both the potential passenger demand and operational model for the line, including the potential connection to Belfast International Airport.