Belfast-Dublin transport links criticised

Northern Ireland’s “primitive” rail transport and “frustrating” road congestion came under fire today at the beginning of an international conference on the Belfast-Dublin economic corridor.

The overriding need for a top flight public transport system was emphasised at the three-day conference examining the economic potential and infrastructure needs of the north-south corridor.

Hosted by the University of Ulster at Belfast’s Waterfront Hall, the conference addresses the economic opportunities for growth offered by development in the corridor – and the problems that lie ahead if the infrastructure deficit is not urgently addressed.

University of Ulster Vice-Chancellor , Professor Gerry McKenna opened the conference with a damning onslaught on the transport network.

He told delegates: “The most overriding need is for a high quality integrated system. In Northern Ireland we have uneven road communications, with expensive and frustrating bottlenecks; a rail network that has atrophied and is primitive by modern European standards.

“There is no air link between the two capital cities on the island and no rail connection to either of the main airports.

“There are also major issues about connecting our ports to the main rail networks, adding further congestion to the inadequate road system.”

Conference organiser, Dr Jim Berry, said the planned, sustainable growth of the Belfast-Dublin economic corridor was vital to the economic health and prosperity of the island as a whole.

“If we are to create a credible and competitive European business region that can attract inward investment, the continued economic prosperity and growth of the corridor is vital,” he said.

Dr Berry warned: “The lack of a planned, properly financed, integrated infrastructure strategy is a major threat to future business growth.”