05 December 2008
By Paul Gosling
The Northern Ireland Executive has given the go-ahead for a rapid transit system for Belfast and a £43.5m allocation for a Titanic visitor attraction.
Following research into alternative tram and bus schemes for the rapid transit system, the Executive approved a bus scheme that will use dedicated roadways for much of its length. These will link the city centre with East and West Belfast and the new Titanic Quarter.
Regional development minister Conor Murphy said: 'The speed, reliability and comfort of the service will attract drivers out of their cars as they see the advantages of rapid transit. It is also expected to attract over 5.5 million passengers a year and there will be high-frequency services every five minutes at rush hour.'
Murphy said that the project would provide an economic boost for Northern Ireland, particularly in the construction industry.
The scheme is expected to cost a total of £150m, including private sector contributions.
The Executive also approved expenditure of £43.5m towards the next stage of the development of the Titanic Quarter, Europe's largest mixed-used regeneration project.
The Titanic visitor attraction is to open in time for the centenary of the ship's sinking in 2012. It is expected that 600 construction jobs will be created.
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