Introduction

​

The very idea of building a Rail Tunnel linking Northern Ireland to Cumbria via the Isle of Man may seem far-fetched. However feasible this Concept may be from an engineering point of view.

​

Building Transportation Infrastructure, is always more about Politics & Budget decision-making than engineering. 

This is where the Rail Tunnel Concept becomes interesting from a Government Expenditure viewpoint!

 

The current UK Exchequer Subsidy Payments to Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man amount are in excess of £15 billon a year. This funding is largely necessary due to geographic isolation of Northern Ireland from the heart of Britain. If a direct rail link can be provided, the necessity for subsidy can be greatly reduced if not eliminated.

 

The estimated cost of £24 billion for the two 65 kilometer tunnels amounts to less than 2 years of current UK Financial Subsidy. The Concept becomes more realistic in light of this!

​