Feasibility studies are being carried out to investigate how best to prevent flooding hampering the Newry to Belfast train service.
Several hot-spots have been identified along the train lines – one close to Jonesborough and the other near Portadown.
Trains had previously been cancelled or severely delayed as a result of excess water in the area of the lines.
And seemingly endless weeks of torrential downpours, weather warnings and unprecedented scenes of flooding have brought the issue of the impact of rain on train rising to the surface.
In relation to the areas identified, one is more advanced than the other, with recognition too of the expenditure required to address.
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins provided an update in response to a question posed by Newry and Armagh MLA Justin McNulty.
The SLDP man had sought an update on the works the Department for Infrastructure was planning to carry out on railway lines to addressing flooding, which had been “preventing the Enterprise services travelling between Belfast and Newry”.
The Minister said the issue was an “operational matter” for Translink and had sought a direct update.
Said Ms Kimmins: “Translink proactively manages the impacts of weather-related events to all services across the network, including the Enterprise through weather management policies and safety measures taken in advance of severe weather events, including high rainfall and storms.
“Measures taken include forecast and real-time weather monitoring, advance drainage clearance, additional inspections, speed restrictions, and lastly closures depending on the severity of on-site conditions. This approach allows alternative transport arrangements to be put in place, including bus substitutions for cross border services.”
The Minister recognised the difficulties which recent weather events had thrown up.
She said: “During Storm Chandra, flooding which impacted the Enterprise train service occurred predominantly at two known locations, Grants Bridge, near Jonesborough and Brackagh Bog, south of Portadown.
“Translink is currently investigating drainage improvements at Grants Bridge through a capital project to reduce the potential for future flooding at this site. This project is currently at feasibility stage with outcomes expected in spring 2026.
“Translink is currently undertaking a feasibility study at Brackagh Bog. This study will examine the risks of future flooding and will provide design options and construction costs to improve the resilience of this section of track to future flooding events.
“Any option which rectifies the flooding problem at this location is likely to be of high cost, requiring extensive track raising on poor ground conditions.”
Looking ahead, the Minister said the risk of flooding network-wide was also being assessed through an ongoing Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, which is due for completion in May 2026.
She added: “This strategy will advise on future risks and the need for enhanced strategic investment to adapt and improve railway infrastructure, making sites such as Brackagh Bog more resilient for flooding events such as those encountered in 2023, during Storm Ciaran, and 2026, during Storm Chandra.”
