Assurances on park and ride for town

Ulster Unionist MLA Jo-Anne Dobson has welcomed Danny Kennedy’s promise.

She said: “This is good news for commuters and businesses alike in both towns, allowing commuters to park at the station and head out on their onward journey, either for work or leisure - allowing people to save time and money.

“Lurgan’s scheme is likely to provide up to 70 spaces at Brownlow Terrace.

“Both facilities will also result in a knock-on reduction in road congestion as commuters chose an alternative to their daily journey.

“Once constructed, the new facilities will make it easier for people to use public transport at the busiest times of the day.

“The creation of additional spaces for Park and Ride will provide an attractive alternative for car drivers in Portadown, Craigavon, Lurgan and the surrounding areas given the increasing popularity of Park and Ride facilities in recent years. When finished, these schemes will be great assets for the surrounding community.”

The Minister confirmed that Translink has proposals to take forward seven park-and-ride rail and bus schemes in 2014-15 and 2015-16, including the development of sites at Portadown and Lurgan.

SDLP Upper Bann MLA Dolores Kelly has said that the expansion of parking facilities at Lurgan railway station is vital to ensure the town remains economically vibrant and local residents can live free from the constant hassle of commuters blocking access to their homes.

Ms Kelly said: “It’s clear to anyone who lives, works or visits Lurgan that the current parking facilities at the railway station are absolutely inadequate.

“The result of this is increased congestion at busy times and a nightmare for residents as commuters block their streets and homes with cars.

“I have continued to place pressure on Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy to take action on this.

“I was pleased to hear that the proposal is currently under consideration and that Translink are exploring delivering increased Park and Ride places in the area.

“It’s imperative that we deliver for these residents and do so as quickly as possible.”