Hopes of new railway line between Portadown and Armagh gather steam

Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council’s economic development and regeneration committee was told a recent scoping study recommended any future feasibility study should consider the extension of existing rail services from Portadown through Armagh city as a passenger-only service.

It is estimated the feasibility study could exceed £100,000 in costs while the capital cost associated with the infrastructure project is likely to exceed £100 million.

And, speaking after the meeting, the Infrastructure Minister, Nichola Mallon, confirmed that her department would be prepared to “largely” fund a council managed feasibility study for the project.

A council working group has been considering the feasibility and viability of re-opening the once strategically important Armagh City to Portadown railway line, which has been closed since 1957.

Alderman Jim Speers said the project had his full support and called for officers to progress matters without further delay.

“It is my understanding the minister has indicated she would fund part of this study and I understand a letter from the minister regarding this matter is in council’s hands at this time,” he said.

“I fully support this proposal and thank the officers who have worked on it, but I think we need to be slightly more ambitious, time could be of the essence here.”

The council’s strategic director of place, Olga Murtagh, said it was important to recognise the work to date on the project and said it would be vital to identify how much the Department of Infrastructure is willing to spend.

Ms Mallon confirmed she is keen to see the feasibility study completed and indicated that her department would provide the vast majority of the funding for it.

“I believe that rail has huge untapped potential to deliver multiple benefits across our island,” she said.

“Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council has undertaken a high level scoping study which I understand considers what might be included in a future feasibility study.

“I would like to see this further developed and the feasibility study undertaken.

“I have therefore asked my officials to pursue this with the council and they are seeking confirmation that the council wish to progress this to the next stage.”

Sinn Fein councillor Garath Keating welcomed the report and said it was critical that the council maintains the momentum for the project.

“The scoping study points towards this project being very much doable,” said Mr Keating.

“It would be a game changer in terms of the economic outlook for this borough.”