Regional Development Minister, Danny Kennedy has announced that the upgrade for Coleraine to L'Derry is expected to be finished ahead of schedule.

This project and related works costing around £30 million will enable rail services to resume between Coleraine and L'Derry.

Mr Kennedy said: "The railway line was due to open in April but I was keen for the line to be open in time for the Easter holidays and, in particular, to provide transport for all those people attending the key events at the UK City of Culture in L'Derry.

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"This phase of the project will allow nine return journeys per day on the line and secures the long-term future of the route. I also understand that following a consultation with local stakeholders Translink will be ensuring travellers can arrive in L'Derry before 9am when services are restored.

"Translink have advised me that the scheme is making excellent progress and that they are hopeful that it will now be open to the general public on 24 March. This is excellent news and I want to congratulate Translink and their contractors McLaughlin and Harvey and McCann BAM for their efforts."

The first phase of the project involved the relaying of the end sections of the line, re-railing and renewing the centre section, completing essential bridge works and track safety improvements. The second phase which will involve re-signalling works and a new passing loop is planned for 2015. Both phases will cost around £50 million.

(CD/GK)