Alliance says terrible trains on Larne line must be replaced more quickly

9.30.00am GMT Wed 6th Feb 2008

Carrickfergus Alliance Councillor Stewart Dickson

Carrickfergus Alliance Councillor Stewart Dickson has hit out at the Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy over his failure to secure replacement trains for the poor quality rolling stock currently used on the Larne line before 2011. Stewart Dickson said the Minister should be trying to source immediate temporary replacement trains from the Republic of Ireland or Great Britain.

Cllr Stewart Dickson said: "While I appreciate it requires some time to order trains, the Minister must fasttrack the procurement process. The Minister should be looking into leasing trains from the Republic of Ireland or Great Britain as stop gap measure until the new trains are available in 2011.

"The current conditions on trains on the Larne Line are appalling. I concur with what the Larne Line Passenger Group are saying about this service. I have seen for myself the level of condensation dripping in carriages and the wet seats. I have also seen that the inside of one was of the train doors was rotting. Problems like this could pose serious danger to passengers and replacement stock must be provided urgently."

ENDS