A report commissioned by Northern Ireland's bus and rail company, Translink has said that the railway service should be expanded here.

The report into the future of rail travel in the province said the rail system could be dramatically improved for just an extra few million pounds a year.

It said that such an expansion would have social as well as economic benefits for Northern Ireland.

Among the recommendations were trains every ten minutes on the Bangor line in Co Down, and an hourly service to Londonderry.

Sinn Féin Transport Spokesperson, Newry Armagh MLA Pat O’Rawe welcomed the publication but added that its recommendation must by acted upon.

Ms O’Rawe said: “This report makes it clear that investment in and expansion of our rail network is vital to the long term future of rail transport. We now need to see a clear commitment to action to secure the long- term viability of our rail system.

“It is interesting to note that for relatively small amounts of investment we could see substantial long term benefits to our economy and to communities throughout the north and beyond."

Alliance spokesperson on Regional Development, Councillor Naomi Long MLA, added: "This report is an encouragement for those who believe that our rail network has a vital role to play in Northern Ireland's future, and it lays to rest the notion that the network is unviable.

"Alliance has long argued for more resources to be dedicated to expanding rail services, as pressure on our roads continues to grow. Hopefully, the conclusions of the report will help convince the Government that NIR is worthy of more appropriate levels of funding."

The report says the extra costs for an expanded service would be about £12m to £13m a year.

(MB)