Plans for upgrade to Lurgan railway station

Local MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed confirmation that the Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon MLA has approved the purchase of the old cash and carry site adjacent to Lurgan Train Station.

Mrs Lockhart said: “This is a very positive step and it comes after much campaigning, lobbying, questioning and pressure on the Minister to get behind the campaign to improve Lurgan Train Station.

“The purchase of the cash and carry site provides a space to explore improvements to passenger facilities, something so badly needed. Additional car parking is a must in any development of the site and I welcome the Ministers agreement that this needs to be explored.

“A consultation exercise with the community will be forthcoming and when that is progressed I will let the community know so everyone can have a say.

“This is a positive step forward, and I thank the Minister for this, but we need to keep momentum behind the campaign to ensure no delays or dithering hold back progress. I will continue to engage with the Department to ensure momentum remains and progress continues.”

Mrs Lockhart also said a rail halt for Craigavon is still under consideration.

She said the proposed rail halt at Craigavon is still some time away from becoming a reality but still being investigated, following correspondence from DfI that the proposal is under consideration but will form part of a wider strategy to be launched later this year.

The DUP MP said: “For some time I have been asked about the possibility of a local rail halt at Craigavon. The demand for such provision is clear and that is known by DfI from the previous interactions I have had with them.

“The Minister has confirmed that a Craigavon Halt will be part of consideration within the Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan that will be issued for consultation later this year. This will provide an opportunity for people to have their say on the proposal. It will also provide local homeowners concerned about the siting of such a facility to express their views, which is also important.

“I will keep a close eye on the plan when it is released to see what exactly the Department thinking is on the need for a halt at Craigavon. I would also welcome the views of the local community being a key part of the consultation when launched.”

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