Alliance cautiously welcomes tram plans but says viability must be tested

10.21.23am GMT Tue 16th Jan 2007

East Belfast Alliance Councillor, Mervyn Jones

East Belfast Alliance Councillor Mervyn Jones has welcomed proposed plans for EWAY rapid transport scheme but warned that it must be viable and provide real benefit to local people. His comments come on the day that Minister David Cairns announced a feasibility analysis is to be conducted on the project

The Victoria Councillor said: "I would welcome such a transport scheme as the Titanic Quarter currently has poor public transport links. However, I ask that this proposed system be analysed to see whether it is viable and can compliment the existing public transport network.

"If the EWAY system is created, it must make a real difference for local people and we must ensure that the right route is covered to give maximum benefit to the wider area.

"It is essential that this economic feasibility study is conducted on the EWAY, as such schemes are extremely expensive and must be fully researched before any final decision can be made on them."

ENDS