A technical study exploring the possibility of a railway line between Armagh City and Portadown will be presented to councillors on Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council in the new year, it has been confirmed.
In January 2022, it was confirmed AECOM had been appointed to carry out a technical study on the proposed Portadown to Armagh City railway line.
At the time, Council’s strategic director of community and growth, Olga Murtagh, said she was hopeful it would be completed within a four-month time frame.
In May this year, the economic development and regeneration committee was told the findings of the draft technical study would be presented to a future meeting of the committee.
Speaking at November’s monthly meeting of Council on Monday, November 28, UUP group leader, Alderman Jim Speers expressed his disappointment that no such presentation had yet been given to the committee.
The Cusher representative also asked when it would be appearing before the committee.
“I want to seek some clarity in relation to the study on the railway line to Armagh,” said Alderman Speers.
“There was a meeting recently and I was hoping it would make its way to the last economic development committee meeting, it didn’t, but maybe Olga can give us some clarity as to why and tell us when it will.”
Ms Murtagh confirmed AECOM has submitted its draft report to the local authority and told the chamber the report should be presented to members of the economic development and regeneration committee in January.
“There was a recent meeting of the working group,”said Ms Murtagh.
“We have received a draft report in from AECOM and we will be intending to bring that to the January committee meeting.
“There are some amendments needed in the report and we will be bringing that in as quickly as we can.”
