AQW 37858/22-27 Written question to the Minister for Infrastructure
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail a breakdown of the total cost of the Knockmore railway line feasibility study.
Asked by David Honeyford MLA on 9 January 2026
- Answered
- Written
- Tabled
- 9 January 2026
- Answer due by
- 26 January 2026
- Answered
- 26 January 202617 days after tabling
- Department
- Department for Infrastructure
- Priority question
- No
Answer
The “Shaping the Future” document that was published in December 2025, shows the capital cost to reopen the line will vary depending on the final service pattern selected, the airport connection and whether the line is re-opened with overhead electrification or using alternative traction.
The estimate to undertake the on-site surveys, design work, planning and development to reach the next major milestone, the Outline Business Case, is £10-£15m. The total cost estimate ranges from £300m - £500m, however, the costs for a project will only be finalised after completion of the Outline Business Case.
I cannot provide detailed breakdown of the total cost of the feasibility study, as the material forms part of an ongoing policy development process and includes potentially commercially sensitive details. Releasing it now could lead to misunderstanding and compromise the integrity of the required decision-making and procurement for the project.