The submitting of official plans for the proposed new £20m Lurgan Train Station has been welcomed as part of the “future proofing” of the town’s rail link.
Translink has submitted plans to Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council for the new facility to replace the ageing station that was built in 1981, itself replacing the previous Victorian-era building that was extensively damaged in an IRA bombing a decade earlier.
The plans will see the existing station demolished, alongside the neighbouring former Musgrave Marketplace building, with the “new modern, fit for purpose station” with 520sqm space opening by 2029.
The new site will also have increased park and ride capacity – with the current 144 spaces rising to 206 – a new sheltering canopy on both platforms and a pedestrian/cycle bridge.
A statement accompanying the application adds: “The environmental quality of the site will be enhanced through a high-quality landscaping and design approach, which improves the visual amenity and user experience of the site for passengers and staff”, adding: “Residential amenity of the surrounding properties is protected through careful design including acoustic barrier fencing.”
Lurgan is also awaiting a proposed new signalling system that aims to shave off time motorists and pedestrians spend waiting at the town’s three rail barriers at William Street, Lake Street and Bells Row.
The barrier issue has been exacerbated through the hourly Enterprise service between Belfast and Dublin which was introduced last year and increased the number of times the barriers were down.
The Enterprise train does not stop in Lurgan, but does at Portadown.
Translink has said the Lurgan Signalling Improvement Project is “subject to approvals and funding and aims to enhance efficiency while maintaining the highest safety standards”.
Speaking about the new station, Lurgan resident Stephen Moore, who has highlighted rail issues in the town, said he hoped the plans would soon get the green light and work would begin on transforming the site.
“The plans are very much welcome, and this will future-proof Lurgan’s rail link. We’ve seen other areas such as Crumlin lose their links over the years, so this commitment and investment is a great thing,” he added.
“However, the rail barrier issue remains a concern, and the financial underwriting of the signalling system plan is something we would very much like to see happening.
“Translink say the new system would reduce barrier time by up to a third, so we need that, and hope it is something Translink can also prioritise alongside the new station.”
Mr Moore said that with the investment planned for Lurgan’s rail infrastructure, consideration should be given for the potential future use of the new station as a stop on the Enterprise line.
“With continued collaboration between Translink and Iarnród Éireann, the potential is there for the service between the two largest cities on the island to make a number of stops in Lurgan,” he added.
“Local people deserve to have the option in the future to avail of this service on their own doorstep.”
