No Park and Ride for station

News that the railway station has not been considered for a Park and Ride Scheme, coupled with continuing issues at the station and the half-finished Millennium Way has irked the SDLP and DUP .

Upper Bann MLA Dolores Kelly slammed the Department of Regional Development for omitting Lurgan from a Park and Ride Scheme despite Lurgan having the fourth busiest rail station in the north. Commuters are often forced to park in side streets, she told the Mail.

The MLA said while she welcomed the decision to provide 25 new park and ride schemes in NI she was concerned at the lack of government investment west of the Bann. “I will continue to push for investment in my constituency,” she added.

DUP councillor Stephen Moutray said he was ‘sick sore and tired’ waiting for action on the Millennium Way and Lurgan station.

He said Millennium Way has been promised for over 40 years and still no action has been taken to complete phase two. The MLA added the excuse of lack of funds had worn thin saying the fiasco with the A5 route meant there is significant money in the DRD coffers .

A DRD spokesperson said work is continuing on Malcolm Road to Gilford Road Link road proposal, including a review taking account of new playing fields at Lurgan JHS. Greater capacity at proposed junctions at both Malcolm Road and Gilford Road are being investigated. Discussions with the landowners are planned and a new planning application will be submitted.