SDLP East Derry MLA John Dallat has said the latest act of vandalism to trains in the North West shows the urgent need for an upgraded system in the area.

Mr Dallat, who sits on the Stormont DRD Committee, and is an ardent supporter of the railways, condemned the act of vandalism that saw the service between Coleraine and Portrush suspended for a time on Tuesday morning and said it shows how systemic lack of proper investment can be derailed by an act of mindless hooliganism.

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He said: "First of all, I condemn any action that is directed at such an important public service. Those who carried this out have obviously little to be doing to contribute in a positive way to society here.

"This however, also, shows the chronic under-investment in our railways in the North West that an act of vandalism can suspend a train service.

"I'm glad that the train service was not suspended for longer than Tuesday morning as it’s an essential means of transport for local people and tourists alike. Our railways have been stripped and underfunded and until we address that, vandals will always be able to derail services at their own whim.

"I will be pressing this matter at the next session of the DRD Committee."