Mr. Richard Logue:

It was a difficult time because at the time the Stormont Executive was up and down at different points as well. When we could not at times engage with Ministers, we had to engage directly with the civil servants. However, the campaign really worked because local politicians right across the spectrum, regardless of whether they were unionist, nationalist or other, were engaged and realised that this was something that had to happen, as otherwise Derry and the entire north west would be cut off completely because the original proposals were to close the railway after Ballymena. Getting the buy-in from politicians was not that difficult.

The key was making sure that the business case was put forward. People realised that they would get better trains, and they got better trains. The old trains were not in any great shape and were very much life expired by 2004. Translink withdrew those trains probably as late as 2005 to 2010. With the new trains coming on stream and, importantly, the timetable, it really fired the imagination of the locals around Derry because suddenly there was an attractive service that they could use. It was not as quick as it could be but the fact that you are running a reliable timetable and running clean, comfortable and modern trains means it is attractive. As I say, Translink provided good promotional fares. In fact, they still provide a flat fare right across Northern Ireland on a Sunday of £8. You can travel from Derry to Newry for £8 on any Translink service.