A major hurdle has been passed with the much-anticipated new Derry railway line taking another huge step forward.
It comes as the Infrastructure Minister, Nichola Mallon, revealed that the feasibility study to get Phase 3 of the Derry to Coleraine rail line back on track had been completed.
It means the project can now be moved forward to the next step in its development.
Speaking following the announcement, Ms Mallon reaffirmed her commitment to North West rail connectivity.
Minister Mallon said: “Since coming into office I have been clear that my priority is addressing regional imbalance, better connecting communities and, importantly, ensuring that we shape our places around our people, for our people and with our people.
"Improving rail services to the North West is a key part of this and I have taken a number of important steps to achieve this.
“Last year I committed to a new feasibility study to get Phase 3 of the Derry to Coleraine rail line back on track, and ring-fenced funding for that work to be done at pace.
"I am pleased to announce that the feasibility study is now complete and a business case for this important project is currently being prepared and it will be subject to the necessary approval processes."
Meanwhile, work looking at the possibility of new halts and associated park-and-ride facilities at Strathfoyle, Eglinton, City of Derry Airport and Ballykelly is ongoing.
When concluded, the project could also ensure half-hourly train services on the Derry – Belfast railway line.
"It is anticipated that this feasibility study will complete in summer 2022, allowing long-awaited progress for rail in the North West to move forward with pace," Nichola Mallon added.
“Investing in rail connectivity is key to delivering greener and cleaner transport but it also opens up opportunities for connectivity and economic growth.
"The people of Derry and the wider North West deserve to have access to enhanced rail connectivity. They have waited for far too long.”
