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Craigavon rail halt could be included in Department strategy alongside new Armagh station

Craigavon rail halt

A long-muted rail halt at Craigavon could be included in a Department of Infrastructure (DfI) strategy later this year.

It could feature alongside plans to re-open the Portadown to Armagh railway line, which has been closed since 1957.

As reported by Armagh I over the weekend, Council is currently in the tendering process for a firm to undertake an extensive feasibility study into the plans to resurrect the travel corridor.

And today (Monday), Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart said that while a proposed rail halt at Craigavon is still “some time away from becoming a reality” it is still being investigated.

According to the DUP representative correspondence from DfI states that the proposal is under consideration but will form part of a wider strategy to be launched later this year.

Said Ms Lockhart: “For some time I have been asked about the possibility of a local rail halt at Craigavon. The demand for such provision is clear and that is known by DfI from the previous interactions I have had with them.

“The Minister has confirmed that a Craigavon Halt will be part of consideration within the Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan that will be issued for consultation later this year.

“This will provide an opportunity for people to have their say on the proposal. It will also provide local homeowners concerned about the siting of such a facility to express their views, which is also important.

“I will keep a close eye on the plan when it is released to see what exactly the Department thinking is on the need for a halt at Craigavon. I would also welcome the views of the local community being a key part of the consultation when launched.”

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