Bring rapid transport scheme North – Ní Chuilín

Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín has written to the Director of the Belfast Rapid Transit Project Ciaran de Búrca to ask for a meeting to discuss the inclusion of North Belfast in the proposed multi-million pound infrastructure scheme.
Last year the Minister for Regional Development Conor Murphy announced three pilot routes for the scheme which will include Rapid Transit buses and light rail.
The three pilot routes are in the east and west of the city, including the Titanic Quarter, but Carál Ní Chuilín is calling the scheme to be extended to North Belfast.
“The Rapid Transit Project will provide the city with a fast reliable and modern public transport service,” said Carál Ní Chuilín.
“I have written therefore to project director Ciarán de Búrca asking for a meeting to discuss extending the scheme to the north of the city.
“I believe there are three possible routes in North Belfast for a light rail scheme.
“The Shore and Antrim roads are obvious links between North Belfast and the city centre and have access to sea ports, the city airport and the motorway.
“The proposal to relocate much of the University of Ulster’s Jordanstown campus to the Cathedral Quarter and York St area will also require enhanced modern transport links to facilitate this massive regeneration project.
“The Crumlin Road is another route with huge potential.
“Belfast is only beginning to open up the tourist potential of the Crumlin Road Gaol site and courthouse and the flagship development of the Girdwood site should ensure the volume of passengers needed to make this route viable.”
Ms Ní Chuilín said extending the project to include North Belfast was a necessary investment in the area’s future.
“The University of Ulster’s decision to relocate to the north side of the city centre is a huge vote of confidence in the people of this area.
“It’s vital that infrastructure projects beginning in the near future create sustainable jobs which will help communities through the current economic downturn.
“However, it is just as important that projects which have been well-thought out also provide us with a platform to regenerate North Belfast in the future.”