To ask the Minister for Regional Development what investigations have been undertaken on the potential use of the Larne Railway Line for the purposes of freight, connecting Larne port with the wider railway network.

I can advise you that no specific investigations have been undertaken by NI Railways in respect of freight operations on the Larne line. However there are no capacity restrictions on the current rail network that would prevent NI Railways in carrying rail freight, should a demand arise.

The Northern Ireland rail network is, and always has been, open to existing and new rail operators to seek to offer services including freight, and no application has ever been received from other operators interested in providing freight or passenger services.

The Railway Investment Prioritisation Strategy which sets out the strategic direction for future railways investment over the next 20 does not envisage a demand for the development of rail freight facilities to any of Northern Ireland ports within its timeframe.