To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the steps her Department has taken to assess the feasibility of a rail halt at the Ballymartin park and ride facility at Templepatrick.

The All-Island Strategic Rail Review considered the potential to improve the inter-urban and regional/rural rail system for passengers and communities in Ireland, North and South. The Rail Review recommended exploring the case for new stations in the Belfast and Derry city regions under the Sustainable Cities goal, with specific reference to Templepatrick / Ballymartin. This is a medium-term intervention in the Rail Review for completion between 2030 and 2040, subject to securing the necessary funding and approvals.

Translink has identified Ballymartin Railway halt within its overall capital plan for network development. The proposed station would be integrated with the existing Bus Park & Ride. The project will be considered as part of the overall feasibility study on the potential for enhancing capacity and journey times on the existing Belfast – Derry rail corridor as part of the Derry Enhancement programme.

While I am keen to deliver what I can within the remainder of my mandate, I will need to consider which projects to prioritise as funding opportunities become available. This is likely to require some difficult decisions and bearing down on costs will be essential to protect essential public service delivery.