I was delighted recently to see West Midlands Metro's new Westside extension go into service, opening just in time for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. On Sunday July 17th, the first passenger-carrying tram set off down Broad Street after years of construction.

Now, it’s full speed ahead to finish the next section of the region’s tram network into Digbeth, the spiritual home of Birmingham’s Irish community.

It has been a challenging few months for the Metro, after services were suspended for major repairs. I'm so pleased for local residents and businesses that we've now reached a turning point and a comprehensive service is returning.

I was lucky enough to ride the very first tram as it headed down the new Westside extension, and I have to say that Broad Street looked a billion dollars as it prepared to receive new visitors via the service.

Digbeth can look forward to the same kind of boost once the Eastside extension is completed.

I was delighted to secure £160 million from the Government for this Metro line, to extend a 1.7km route from the city centre into the very heart of Digbeth. One of the most vibrant parts of Birmingham, Digbeth is renowned as a cultural hub which mixes 21st Century creativity with a strong sense of community and heritage.

I believe the new Metro line, which will include four West Midlands Metro stops, will drive the continued renaissance of Digbeth and help more visitors discover just how much it has changed.

Quite simply, it will bring people into Digbeth, to learn about its heritage and enjoy its vibrant cultural offering. That means a boost for local businesses while also encouraging more new businesses to relocate there.

For local people, it will also bring real benefits. For a start, there is the improvement in travel that comes with such a major transport investment. Service frequency on the line will be six minutes during peak times with a 15-minute service off-peak.

That means more people using the Metro for day-to-day travel, resulting in time savings, fewer car journeys, reduced congestion and cleaner air.

The Metro will also connect local people to job and education opportunities.

What’s more, the Metro network will ultimately link up with HS2, meaning much of the wider West Midlands ¬- places like Wolverhampton, Dudley and Sandwell - will all be able to access the new High Speed rail service.

Plans to give Birmingham’s ‘creative quarter’ a fresh look and feel, in addition to the tram extension, are really starting to take shape with new paving the latest improvement to be installed on Digbeth High Street.

Like Bournville and the Jewellery Quarter, Digbeth is one of the cultural gems of Birmingham.

With the arrival of the Metro, it will be able to share its delights with even more people – along with the warm welcome that is guaranteed by its proud Irish roots.

Welcome to another Birmingham Irish Association news update

We publish news and project updates keeping you up to date with details regarding our services and events, as well as other local developments and other news that will be of interest to our clients as well as other visitors.