£5 million station upgrade ‘promised’ by the Minister

A Lurgan MLA has announced the Transport Minister is ‘committed’ to a £5 million upgrade for Lurgan railway station.

The ‘MAIL’ understands that the Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy has spoken to fellow Ulster Unionist MLA Sam Gardiner confirming that Lurgan is a priority station.

According to Mr Gardiner he has been ‘promised’ a £5 million upgrade to Lurgan station by his UUP counterpart.

Mr Gardiner revealed details of a conversation which took place between himself and the Minister.

Upon learning the footfall was at Lurgan station was 901,000 in 2012/13 making it the seventh busiest station in NI, Mr Gardiner asked the Minister if he would ensure Lurgan doesn’t fall behind the likes of Londonderry when it comes to having a rail station upgrade.

In response the Minister told Mr Gardiner that, as part of the capital investment in the rail network, he was committed to improving both train journey times and train stations. He added Lurgan is one of the priority stations requiring refurbishment given its high usage and current condition.

The DRD confirmed the Minister’s position. A press officer quoted Minister Kennedy as saying: “For me, Lurgan is one of the priority stations requiring refurbishment given its high usage and current condition. I will ensure that Lurgan is not overlooked or ignored when it comes to future station upgrades.