Preparatory work has begun on a new train line between Portadown and Derry as proposed by the All-Island Rail Review published earlier this year.

A review of railway provision across the island published in July proposed several new routes, including direct links to three airports.

The report estimates the capital cost of implementing all the recommendations by 2050 would be between €35 to €37 billion in 2023 prices.

The new line between Portadown and Derry would introduce rail stations in Dungannon, Omagh and Strabane to the network.

In 1962 the Benson Report, compiled at the request of the Stormont Government, recommended the closure of the Portadown – Derry line and the U.T.A did not hesitate to implement the recommendation. Local anger was increased by the announcement that the east-coast line to Derry would remain open. In February 1965 the final closure took effect. The lifting of the track and sale of the land in the winter of 1966/1967 completed the final chapter in the history of railways locally. However, despite the ravages of the intervening half century much evidence of a once-great enterprise still remains in the form of embankments, cuttings, bridges and station buildings.