Transport: Funding for study on electrification of Belfast-border rail line

The announcement follows a review of the UK's transport links by Network Rail Chairman John Hendy

The UK transport secretary has announced £3.3m in funds to examine electrifying part of NI's railways.

The announcement follows a review of the UK's transport links by Network Rail chairman Lord Hendy.

Translink is to be given the funding to study the cost, feasibility and value for money of electrifying the line between Belfast and the border.

It was one of a number of measures Transport Secretary Mark Harper announced to improve connectivity.

Another project was an £8m funding package to improve the A75 in the south of Scotland.

• UK minister confirms £8m for A75 improvements

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• Reopening Portadown to Armagh rail line 'feasible'

It is the main road between Stranraer and Gretna, on the border with England, carrying traffic to and from the NI ferry port at Cairnryann.

Translink is also to get £700,000 for a feasibility study on reopening the Antrim-Lisburn railway line, with an additional stop at Belfast International Airport, the Department for Transport said.

A feasibility study on reinstating the Portadown to Armagh railway line by Translink is to get funding of £800,000.

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Heaton-Harris said: "Improving connectivity across Northern Ireland and the UK is a priority of the UK government and I am pleased that these feasibility studies will support that aim in Northern Ireland, for the benefit of businesses and people living and working here."