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Forty additional car parking spaces are to be added at Newry Train Station, with work set to begin in September. Double yellow lines will also be added to approach roads as part of the scheme.
Newry and Armagh MP, Dáire Hughes has welcomed the news, saying the popularity of the train had created ongoing difficulties at the station. The car park has regularly been full, with station users parking along nearby roads, causing problems for motorists, pedestrians and local residents.
Dáire Hughes said: "The huge growth in the number of people using the train is very welcome and we hope it continues. It is a consequence of Minister Liz Kimmins' commitment to improving rail services and the hourly Enterprise timetable.
"However, the popularity of the train has caused issues at Newry Train Station for many months. The car park is usually full, owning to the large numbers of commuters and people travelling for recreation."
He said the Sinn Féin team had raised the parking issue with Translink and the Department for Infrastructure on a number of occasions and welcomed the confirmation from them that work would now proceed.
"It is great news for residents and commuters that work to expand the car park at Newry Train Station is to begin in September. This work will provide 40 additional car parking spaces and see double yellow lines added to approach roads. This will go some way to alleviate the challenges at the station.
"Whilst there may be some short-term disruption, these spaces are badly needed and I thank Translink, Minister Kimmins and her department for taking this work forward."
The MP also pointed to the broader investment in rail infrastructure, noting that over £550 million has been committed to new trains for the Dublin to Belfast Enterprise service. He said the new trains are hoped to be running by 2028 and would deliver a better experience for passengers.
"Good rail connectivity is essential for workers and families in and around Newry," he added.
