Larne Train Upgrade 'Steams Ahead'

New trains that are due to roll into Larne and along a busy commuter rail link in east Antrim have been warmly welcomed by a local MLA.

Ulster Unionist Ken Robinson (pictured) has welcomed the arrival of the first of the 20 new Class 4000 trains in Belfast.

The MLA and councillor - who is Newtownabbey Borough Council's representative on the Larne Line Passenger Group - said: "I have lobbied long and hard with Translink officials and Transport Minister Conor Murphy to ensure that these new trains make their first appearance on the Larne line.

"I am delighted that the first set has now arrived and that we will see them in regular service on this route later in the year.

"They represent an investment in public transport and ensure that the railways can offer a modern, comfortable and reliable alternative form of sustainable transport," he said.

"These trains together with ongoing extensions to existing platforms to enable them to accommodate longer sets if required show how much the railways have been improved since the advent of the devolved Assembly.

"These improvements plus the ongoing addition of extra Park & Ride facilities at stations along the Larne line should help to persuade more motorists to let the train take the strain instead of sitting in endless traffic jams," he continued.

"It is important that passenger numbers continue to rise and I would appeal to those who could add further to these figures, especially between Larne Harbour and Whitehead, to take every opportunity to experience the improved levels of comfort that the 3000 class and this new 4000 class rolling stock can provide."

He was speaking this week as the Sinn Fein Minister, Conor Murphy welcomed the arrival of the first of 20 brand new 'Class 4000' trains at Belfast docks on Monday while the main contractor has also been appointed for an associated £15m construction project.

That deal will see extra buildings erected to service an expanding fleet of trains across Northern Ireland.

John Graham (Dromore) Ltd is to enjoy a modest boost as its staff get to work on the new centre which is to be used for the maintenance and cleaning of a series of new trains being purchased by Translink.

In a boost for the local construction sector, the main construction work is expected to commence in early April for a contract period estimated at 18 months. The value of the scheme is in the region of £15m.

See: Translink Builds £15m Train-care Project

(BMcC/KMcA)