A “tragedy” has been averted as a result of the Derry-Belfast rail line being saved from closure, according to a Derry MLA. 
John Dallat, the East Derry SDLP representative at Stormont, said the link, threatened with being shut down several years ago, was “now safe from future bad decisions.”
Mr Dallat, his party’s Spokesperson for Regional Development, said closure of the line, would have been “a tragedy” for the North West.
The East Derry MLA was speaking after a lengthy meeting with Catherine Mason, the chief executive of Translink.
Their discussions focused “largely” on the development of rail transport on the Derry-Belfast and Belfast-Dublin services and both agreed any future threat to the Derry line “is now over.”
Mr Dallat added the success of the Derry-Belfast service, described by renowned travel writer Michael Palin as “one of the world’s great train journeys, was “amazing” following new investment in trains and track which has seen an increases of 15% in passenger numbers.
He added: “The reopening of the Coleraine-Derry section has been particularly encouraging with many people travelling to Derry for the City of Culture events choosing to travel by train.”
Mr Dallat revealed that in his discussions with the Translink chief, he emphasised the need for an hourly service and was assured this objective would be met.
Meanwhile, discussions are to get underway to look at the possibility of the Derry terminal being restored to the old Waterside Station.
Mr Dallat said he believed this would be the option chosen.
He concluded: “It has widespread support among the various interested groups in Derry.”
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