The possibility of reopening a closed railway line between Antrim and Lisburn via Belfast International Airport is moving a step closer and people have been voicing their support for the plan.
The Knockmore line, which once passed through Crumlin, Glenavy and Ballinderry, closed in 2003 but Translink is looking at potentially reconnecting the route with a possible connection to Belfast International Airport.
Since the line closed to passenger traffic over 20 years ago, calls have been growing for it to be reopened with a connection to Belfast International Airport as part of a future Belfast – Lisburn – Antrim – Belfast ‘Circle Line’.
It’s been over two years since Translink committed to carrying out a feasibility study and last week it emerged that a report is expected to be completed this summer.
As well as considering engineering requirements, demand forecasting and cost estimates, the study is considering reopening the three stations previously in operation on this line at Ballinderry, Glenavy and Crumlin. In addition, three locations for a new station at Belfast International Airport are also being appraised] to identify the preferred option.
With that in mind we spoke to commuters heading to and from Belfast Grand Central Station this week to ask their thoughts on the plan.
One woman told us: “There used to be a line that went to the airport, but then it stopped and now they’re talking about reopening it, which I think would be a great opportunity for us all.
“If you’re trying to get to Aldergrove Airport, for the likes of me, it’s very awkward, so if you could get the bus or the train right up to there, especially the train, it would be very good.
“I think we need to try to facilitate the tourists more because we were in Porto there just about a month ago and we were able to get their metro from outside the hotel straight up to the airport and it was so handy so I think we need to have more transport like that.”
(Image: Harry Bateman/Belfast Live)
Another couple we spoke to said: “It would be a huge difference having that straight connection into the city centre and be absolutely fantastic.
“We were actually only saying earlier on when we were having coffee that they should think about these things and either have an underground or tram line or something that integrates all. All cities should have it, not just Belfast, to make it easier for travellers.
“I think it’d be a good investment with this beautiful new station. It’s a really nice, encouraging place to be. It’s fantastic so make the most of it.
“Having the facility where trains and buses all come together in one transit hub makes life so much easier from a tourist point of view, but also from a commuter point of view so having that extra link to the airport would just enhance that even more.”
This female commuter was also in favour of the plan: “I think we’re one of the only countries that don’t have access to the airport by train. It just seems strange when we’ve got it everywhere else.
“We’ve been booking car parking for a week and it’s like upwards of £113 for a week’s car parking. We’re pensioners, so we’d be getting free, which obviously I have a vested interest in.
“But even for people paying, it’s not going to be anywhere near that and it’s just so handy and you don’t have to worry about your car, it stays at home in the garage.”
We also spoke to one lady who knows all too well the impact of glaring gaps in rail provision in rural areas: “I think a rail line to the airport would be excellent. Being from Co Tyrone, we used to have a railway station and I really miss it now.
“I remember it from my youth, but now that I’m a pensioner and doing all my free traveling., I would love the railway lines to open up. It’s a big opportunity for Northern Ireland to progress with so many visitors and tourists coming.
“Yes, the Translink buses are fantastic but I do think there’s a lot to be said for the rail line because a lot of people love going on the train. I know there is a very good bus service from Belfast here out to the airport but I think we’re missing a big opportunity for the train to go direct to the airport.
“It would really boost the airport as well and it’s all revamped now and looking great. That would really help tourism and that’s what we need is money coming into our country.”
In a statement to Belfast Live earlier this week, a Translink spokesperson said: “The feasibility studies have been funded by the UK Department for Transport to explore the potential for improving rail connectivity.
“Aligned to the All-Island Strategic Rail Review, they will help to further enhance the Northern Ireland rail network. Work is progressing with a draft report due to be published later this year following a period of further stakeholder engagement”.
Several local politicians have also highlighted the viability of reopening the rail line with a stop-off for the International Airport, an intrinsic design feature. Millions have been spent maintaining the line since it was mothballed.
Video by Belfast Live videographer Harry Bateman.
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