Northern Ireland's Transport Minister Danny Kennedy says he remains "fully committed" to developing the railway network across the region.

Minister Kennedy made the announcement while addressing a group representing the Armagh Railway Campaign.

The Minister discussed ideas presented by the delegation, led by Councillor Sylvia Roberts and accompanied by Councillor Jim Speers, regarding the need for a rail link to Armagh.

Danny Kennedy said: "The meeting was very helpful and the delegation presented a well researched and persuasive case for reinstating a railway link to Armagh. I am impressed with the level of support for the Portadown to Armagh extension and I welcome the commitment from Armagh Council to support any initiatives that would bring a rail link to the city."

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The move follows a wide response to a recent DRD (Department for Regional Development) public consultation on the future of railway investment in Northern Ireland.

More than 30% of respondents supported the introduction of a rail link between Armagh and Portadown.

The Minister added: "Rail passenger numbers continues to grow right across the country and I am encouraged with the wide spread political support and the enormous interest from people across Northern Ireland for future railway investment."

(IT/JP)