Ulster Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson has urged the EU to provide more funding for Northern Ireland's railways.

Speaking during a debate on improved rail interoperability between Member States, Mr Nicholson said:

"We must improve our network by increasing rail capacity further to cope with current, and projected, levels of traffic." 

The call comes in the wake of the European Investment Bank meeting the finance and transport ministers to discuss funding for major transport projects, such as the Belfast Rapid Transit System and Belfast Transport Hub.

As Northern Ireland is not connected to mainland Europe by road and rail, it has been designated an "isolated network" by the European Commission.  This exempts the region from certain costly infrastructure requirements. 

Speaking after the debate, Jim said:

"On the EU's periphery, we in Northern Ireland know more than most of the difficulties in establishing integrated transport systems.

"We do not have the plethora of transport options that those in mainland Europe enjoy.  What we do have in our favour is the tireless work of the Department of Regional Development, led by my party colleague Danny Kennedy, to improve cross-border transport.

"The Department has proposed a major redevelopment of Belfast's Great Victoria Street railway station, in addition to plans to decrease journey times on the Enterprise train from Belfast to Dublin.

"The EU should lend their full support to the Department's proposals, funding better cross-border linkages and improving infrastructure, which will ultimately benefit local passengers North and South of the border."