RIA Northern Ireland publish rail manifesto ahead of assembly elections

The Railway Industry Association (RIA) Northern Ireland has published its manifesto for rail ahead of the Northern Ireland Assembly Elections in May. The Manifesto sets out four key recommendations for the nation.

RIA Northern Ireland is the voice of the Northern Irish rail supply community, representing RIA members across the nation. Rail in Northern Ireland supports £900 million in economic growth, 17,500 jobs and £300 million in tax revenue and is an essential industry in supporting the Net Zero and investment agendas.

The recommendations include:

• Provide a clear medium to long term rail investment strategy and recognise the importance of certainty to support cost effective rail supply chain delivery
• Work with the rail supply chain to develop a deliverable, long term rail decarbonisation strategy. This will enable it to meet passenger and freight needs and Net Zero carbon goals, including on electrification, hydrogen, and battery trains
• Place innovation at the industry’s core and begin a programme of modern signalling renewals
• Support the recommendations set out in the All-Island Strategic Rail Review.

“The upcoming Northern Ireland elections provide an opportunity to support the nation’s economic recovery through rail investment, as passengers begin returning to the network post-pandemic,” Neil Walker, Lead for RIA Northern Ireland, said “RIA Northern Ireland’s recommendations, developed with RIA Members in the nation, focus on providing long term visibility for businesses, decarbonisation, innovation and signalling and supporting the All-Island Strategic Rail Review. By working with the rail supply chain in these areas, the Northern Ireland Government can help support a thriving railway system, thereby supporting greater investment, jobs and economic growth.”