Air-rail link plans for take-off

The closed rail line runs close to Belfast International Airport

Plans are being drawn up for a rail link to Belfast International Airport, the BBC has learned.

An English company, the Kilbride Group, is behind the scheme to reinstate the Knockmore railway line.

Running between Lisburn and Antrim it was closed in 2003. Now there are plans to reinstate the line, and to extend it to Aldergrove.

The airport is about to experience a major surge in passenger numbers with the arrival of Aer Lingus.

Kilbride has been involved in the reinstatement of disused rail lines in England and Scotland, and its directors have carried out an in-depth investigation of the potential for developing the Knockmore line.

They have already held preliminary discussions with an all-party group of assembly members and MPs, and are due to present a more detailed plan at Stormont next month.

It is understood that the project could also provide a train service to the proposed Maze stadium.