The project is estimated to cost between £300m and £500m
An MLA has hit out at the “lack of ambition” from the Infrastructure Minister after funding for the reopening of the Knockmore trainline with a new station at Belfast International Airport was not included in the draft Budget announced by Finance Minister John O’Dowd on Monday.
The line was closed to passengers, and stations were mothballed in 2003; however, the line has remained operational for engineering works.
The findings of a feasibility study, published in December 2025, estimated the cost of reopening the line at £300m for single-track operation or over £500m for full electrification.
However, it has been suggested that trains could run on the line every 20 minutes and deliver an additional £1m journeys each year.
Alliance Economy spokesperson David Honeyford MLA said: “There is a clear lack of ambition from the Minister and her department regarding the reopening of the Knockmore line. It is deeply disappointing that the Rail Project Prioritisation Strategy places reopening at 5 to 10 years for a line that already exists.
“The Knockmore Line must now be progressed to the business case stage without further delay. Efficient, modern infrastructure is essential for a thriving economy, supporting jobs, connectivity, productivity and growth.
“We need a budget that prioritises our public services and focuses on using taxpayers’ money to deliver for the people of Northern Ireland. In such a challenging financial environment, we can no longer afford to squander hundreds of millions of pounds per year running a divided society and segregated public services.
“Alliance will continue to engage intensively around the Executive table to find workable solutions which give real help to people.”
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