“1954 UTA Green Book – Justification for closing 16 railway lines?” by Jim Edgar

On 15 June 1954 four senior officials of the UTA and the GNR(B) presented a joint report to their employer, George B Howden, chairman of both companies. This report, referred to as “The Green Book”, recommended sweeping changes to the operation of railways in Northern Ireland. While there are many positive recommendations, it was the proposal to close 16 railway lines that is well remembered, even today. These closures would leave large swathes of Northern Ireland without railways, and in due course were to bring about the end of the GNR(B).

Jim will analyse and dissect the arguments put forward at the time and compare these with modern day transport decision making. There is sure to be a lively discussion afterwards.