Major traffic disruption and delays are persisting at a busy railway crossing in Lurgan – almost two weeks after a new hourly train service between Belfast and Lurgan commenced.
While the Enterprise service, which now runs every hour between Grand Central Station in Belfast and Connolly Station in Dublin has been hailed as a huge boost for public transport, it is having a detrimental impact in Lurgan.
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, says she is “deeply frustrated and concerned by the worsening traffic disruption and delays, particularly during peak hours, at the William Street railway crossing”.
“This situation is severely impacting businesses, commuters, and pedestrians, with one business owner describing it as an ‘absolute nightmare’ that threatens to destroy what remains of Lurgan’s business environment.”
Ms Lockhart says she experienced a wait in excess of 13 minutes last Friday; a delay, she says “deters people trying to reach work, school, or conduct business in the town”.
“The introduction of the Enterprise Service’s hourly trains to Dublin has created significant challenges for Lurgan,” she added.
“Ironically, this service doesn’t even stop at Lurgan station, so the town bears the disruption without seeing any benefit.”
The Entreprise service stops at Lurgan seven times a day, Monday to Saturday, in both directions and three times on a Sunday from Belfast – twice from Dublin.
Ms Lockhart added: “Last week, I spoke with the Chief Executive of Translink, who assured me that they are exploring ways to streamline train timings, but it’s clear that major investment is needed, alongside the station upgrade, to resolve this issue.
“I have now written to the Minister calling for immediate intervention on behalf of Lurgan.”
The new service details are as below.
All trains serve Dublin Connolly, Drogheda, Dundalk, Newry, Portadown and Belfast Grand Central (times with a * also serve Lurgan and Lisburn).
Mondays to Saturdays
Belfast Grand Central to Dublin Connolly: 06:00, 07:00*, 08:00, 09:00*, 10:00, 11:00*, 12:00, 13:00*, 14:00, 15:00*, 16:00, 17:00*, 18:00, 19:00, 21:00*
Dublin Connolly to Belfast Grand Central: 05:50*, 06:50, 07:40*, 08:50, 09:50*, 10:50, 11:50*, 12:50, 13:50*, 14:50, 15:50*, 16:50, 17:50*, 18:50, 20:50
Sundays
Belfast Grand Central to Dublin Connolly: 08:05~, 10:05, 12:05, 14:05*, 16:05, 17:05, 18:05, 20:05*
Dublin Connolly to Belfast Grand Central: 08:50*, 10:50, 12:50, 13:50, 14:50, 16:50, 18:50, 20:50*
