To ask the Minister for Infrastructure whether his Department plans to deliver the proposed rail halt in central Craigavon.

I am ambitious for our rail network, and have a vision to enhance rail connectivity to better connect our communities while delivering cleaner, greener, more sustainable transport within the budgetary envelope that is available.

As you may be aware, work is ongoing to take a strategic look at our rail network to determine how best it can deliver for our citizens in the future. One element of this work is the All-Island Strategic Rail Review which is anticipated to conclude in the final quarter of 2022. The Review is being undertaken to allow us to consider our rail network across this island with a view to how it can be improved for everyone. It will examine the potential for rail connections across the island including how our existing connections could be improved and where new rail links would be best placed.

My Department is also currently developing proposals for a new Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan (RSTNTP) which will consider the development of the main road and rail networks to 2035. This will, in association with Translink, include high level assessments on a variety of potential rail improvements, including the creation of new halts such as the proposed halt in central Craigavon or relocation of existing halts. The RSTNTP will be subject to public consultation and I will be pleased to consider representations on the plan including those in relation to the rail network.