Derry Coleraine rail line in Ireland to begin next year

Northern Ireland has approved £27m of funding to construct a rail line between Coleraine and Londonderry, which is part of a £75m upgrade project.

The £75m upgrade project will be completed in three phases. The first phase involves track relay and essential bridge works, followed by the signalling work, and the final phase will complete the passing loop and remaining bridge works.

The line will be closed for nine months, and the completion of the first phase is expected to produce eight return services a day by April 2013.

The work is expected to commence in July, and the signalling work will get underway in 2014-15.