SDLP and DUP MPs Mark Durkan and Gregory Campbell have expressed concerns about a possible wind down of the Belfast to Derry train service after plans to postpone a £75 million refurbishment of the scenic rail line by up to five years.
Funding for a start to upgrading the track between Coleraine and Derry has now been deferred to 2014 because of cuts in the budget of the Ulster Unionist regional development minister Danny Kennedy. The work was originally scheduled for completion in 2012-2013 but the possible completion date is now put back to 2016-2017.
Instead of the £75 million allocation, it has been confirmed that £20 million will now be spent on safety work on the line.