Time to deliver the rail capacity Derry deserves urges Foyle MLA
Mark H Durkan calls on Translink and the Minister to expand weekend services for Derry Halloween and the Maritime Festival
SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan has said the Executive must realise the potential of public transport and has called for greater efforts to improve capacity for train services between Derry and Belfast.
Mr Durkan has called on the Infrastructure Minister, Liz Kimmins to increase the frequency and capacity of services, particularly during weekends and major events such as the Maritime Festival and Halloween celebrations.
The MLA for Foyle, Mark H Durkan said: “It is great to see that Translink has expanded late night bus and train service from Derry to Belfast for Fleadh 2026, but it’s important that we see this working both ways.
“I've been pressing both the Infrastructure Minister and Translink to work together to ensure that the biggest events on Derry's calendar are catered for; whether it's the O'Neills Foyle Cup or Derry Halloween, we need to see additional capacity and services for our public transport system.
“I’ve been contacted throughout the summer period by constituents frustrated that there were little to no available seats on packed rail services from Derry to Belfast. And while it’s great to see more and more people choosing public transport, its potential has not been fully realised or built upon by the Minister. Her response confirms what passengers in the North West already know all too well; that our rail network continues to be held back by infrastructure constraints.
"Derry has established itself as a major destination for tourism and culture. Thousands of people travel to the city each year for events like Halloween and the Maritime Festival yet our rail service still struggles to meet demand. We cannot continue talking about regional balance while expecting the North West to make do with infrastructure that has failed to keep pace with the city's growth and ambitions.
"Improving rail connectivity isn't simply about making journeys more convenient. It is about supporting economic development, boosting tourism, reducing congestion on our roads and encouraging greater use of public transport as part of our climate commitments.
"I will continue to press both the Minister and Translink to bring forward the investment needed to improve capacity, increase service frequency and ensure that Derry receives the modern public transport network it deserves."