Ballymoney Train Station boost

Mr Robin Swann, the North Antrim Ulster Unionist Party Assemblyman and Chairman of the Stormont Employment and Learning Committee, has said he is “exceptionally pleased” the Regional Development Department has listened to his campaign to upgrade Ballymoney Train Station and devoted £378,200 to the much-needed project.

Assemblyman Swann, who is UUP Chief Whip, had lobbied intensely for facilities at the station to be upgraded to match demand.

Mr Swann confirmed the Department issued a Letter of Offer on 9 October 2013 approving estimated costs for the project of £378,200.

The work includes: Partial replacement of existing timber roof to Platform 1, including new foundations to posts; Installation of new glazing on each platform to create passenger shelter areas under the existing roofs; Installation of a new bicycle shelter; New passenger seating; Refurbishment of existing ticket office including new ticket counter; New Passenger Information Boards, and New lighting. The anticipated start date is late October 2014.

Mr Swann added: “I am really pleased my campaign has borne fruit and work to make the Ballymoney Train Station one of the most modern in the rain network.

“This will not improve conditions for travellers, but can also go some way to encouraging even more tourists to visit and shop in the constituency.”