Rail line works to cost £75m

Mr Murphy revealed the proposed cost in response to a query at the Assembly stating: "The estimated cost of the proposed project to upgrade the Coleraine to Derry railway line is 75m."

The Sentinel recently revealed how the line will close for improvements for a year from April 2012 leaving the city without a rail link for the first months of City of Culture 2013.

The Minister cautioned recently how an economic appraisal was required before it went ahead.

"The Economic Appraisal for the Coleraine to Derry Track Renewals project is currently being assessed by DFP to confirm that it demonstrates Value for Money. When that assessment is complete, I will consider giving approval for the project to proceed taking account of available capital funding.

"Subject to that approval, the preliminary work is planned to commence in the spring of 2011. At this time the closure of the line between Coleraine is estimated to last for one year beginning in April 2012.

"However, the start and duration of the closure will be reviewed by Translink when the project receives approval to commence work on site," he stated.