West Belfast Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Millions for west Belfast Rapid Transit System

Published: 1 December, 2008

Gerry Adams MP MLA has welcomed the decision by the Executive to proceed with a proposal from the Minister for Regional Development Conor Murphy for a rapid transit system for Belfast. The west Belfast MP has particularly welcomed the fact that the west of the city will benefit significantly from the proposed Rapid Transit System.

The original proposal under a British Direct Rule Minister excluded west Belfast and it was only after lobbying by the west Belfast MP and the intervention of the new Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy that west Belfast was included in the project.

Gerry Adams described the announcement as a "significant proposal that will shape the face of Belfast and of west Belfast for decades to come.

''The investment of millions of pounds into west Belfast and development of a modern, fast and reliable public transport service linking west Belfast into the city will have a positive impact on the economy of this part of the city.

''The project, which will operate alongside and compliment our traditional black taxi and Translink metro services is good for this community.

''The purpose of the Rapid Transit System is to reduce congestion by attracting people onto public transport which can then transport them across the City in a fast and reliable time."

The west Belfast MP added, "This major transportation project will not only deliver a new modern service, but will provide opportunities over the coming years to our local economy through employment opportunities in engineering, construction and the operation of the new system. This will make an important contribution to the regeneration of west Belfast.''