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DRD Minister pressed on town's problems - 7 May 2008
Lurgan's problems were top of the agenda as Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy met with representatives of Lurgan ForwardLurgan Forward has met with the Minister for Regional Development Conor Murphy MP MLA. The meeting facilitated by John O’Dowd MLA enabled Lurgan Forward to further pursue the search for resolutions to the infrastructure problems which besiege the town.
Charles Gardiner, Chairman of Lurgan Forward explained “Lurgan Forward last met the Minister in November 2007. This follow up meeting was an opportunity to further highlight the needs of the town. Foremost in the discussions were the completion of Millennium Way through to Banbridge Road and solutions to the traffic congestion caused by the 3 level crossings which severe the town.”
“In November we asked the Minister for further meetings with Roads Service and Translink. Roads Service had representation at this most recent meeting.”
In relation to Millennium way it is understood that Lurgan Forward has been in discussions with the land owners along the line of the incomplete road in order to bring about a round table solution and encourage speedy development of the area.
Lurgan Forward has also been striving to highlight the importance and the need for addressing the problems.
Noel Ferguson, Town Centre Manager commented, “We were conscious that previous discussions with the DRD may have given the impression that Lurgan has a ‘wish list’ of issues that need resolved. We therefore set out to convey to the Minister that the infrastructure issues cannot be dealt with in isolation but that they are all interdependent and require an holistic approach. For instance completing the extension to Millennium Way would speed up the flow of traffic across the town and would lead to further delays near the rail line.”
“We also conveyed to the Minister that Lurgan is the largest provincial town. This represents clear strength of numbers to compel a speedy response.”
Des Lavery, Vice Chair of Lurgan Forward continued, “Clearly a resolution to the Railway Crossings in the town is a long term issue. It is however vital that possible solutions be explored in order that the foundations for implementation can be laid. We were however encouraged by short and intermediate solutions being considered by Roads Service which would ease congestion while a long term solution is found. This could include the use of radio technology to control intelligent signage throughout the town warning motorists when the level crossings are down. This would encourage drivers to take an alternative route while the barriers are closed.”
Further meetings are due to be held between Lurgan Forward and the DRD in the coming months.