Infrastructure Minister Caoimhe Kimmins has allocated funding for Phase 3 of the Derry to Coleraine rail line renewal project. The scheme covers 20 miles of track between Castlerock and Eglinton.

SDLP MLA Mark H. Durkan sought an update on the project from Ms. Kimmins. Phase 3 remains an approved scheme after the Department approved its business case in November 2022.

Ms. Kimmins ring-fenced £5.9m for the project in 2025/26. She included a further ring-fenced allocation in her draft budget for 2026/27.

Work under Phase 3 involves renewing ballast and sleepers. It also includes structural and drainage improvements to support line speeds of up to 90 miles per hour.

Ms. Kimmins stated that a Programme Strategic Outline Case is due later this year. Further progress will be considered with its development.