To ask the Minister for Regional Development what action his Department is taking to integrate the Port of Larne with the Larne Railway Line.

The railway station at Larne Harbour is integrated with the ferry passenger terminal and the majority of rail services are planned to link with both ferry departures and arrivals to ensure good connectivity. I am not aware of any commercially viable freight opportunities which would support the development of direct rail connections to the freight handling area within Larne Harbour. Northern Ireland Railways, along with representatives from my Department, continues to participate in the All Ireland Freight Forum, which examines suggestions for the transfer of freight from roads to rail (or coastal shipping).