This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Investment for Stirling-Alloa rail link
12/06/2003
The re-opening of the rail link between Stirling, Alloa
and Kincardine came a step closer today following the
announcement of £30 million of investment.
The rail link will see the introduction of passenger
services between Stirling and Alloa, reconnecting Alloa to
the national rail network. It will also allow the
transportation of freight to Kincardine and Dunfermline via
Longannet. This will take freight off the Forth Bridge
leading to improved passenger services between Edinburgh
and Fife.
Transport Minister Nicol Stephen said:
"I am very pleased to announce the Executive will
provide the full £30 million funding Clackmannanshire
council is seeking towards the project. The re-opening of
this line will not only benefit local communities and
businesses but also improve the rest of the Scottish rail
network.
"I am committed to making sure we deliver important
transport projects such as this following the record
investment we now have in place. Improving public transport
is vital and this rail link contributes to our vision of a
network that connects our communities, supports the economy
and enhances our environment."
Benefits from the re-opened line will include:
- Easing local congestion, particularly into
Stirling
- A more efficient route for coal from Ayrshire to
Longannet taking freight off our roads
- The opportunity for extra rail services between
Fife and Edinburgh by taking freight trains off the
Forth Bridge
The Minister made the announcement during a debate in
the Scottish Parliament today where he outlined the
Executive's priorities for public transport investment.
The £30 million investment announced today forms 81% of
the capital costs of a project estimated to total £37.15m.
This includes a £6.5 million Public Transport award made to
Clackmannanshire Council in November 2000 for development
of the plans.
The Executive's funding will come from the Integrated
Transport Fund as set out in the Scottish Budget for
2003-06.
The Stirling - Alloa - Kincardine Railway and Linked
Improvements Bill was presented to the Scottish Parliament
in February this year