In response to the growing population and increasing number of commuters in Ballymoney, Minister for Infrastructure, Liz Kimmins, has confirmed plans to expand parking facilities at the local train station.
This development follows a question submitted by Mr Jon Burrows, North Antrim MLA, of the Ulster Unionist Party on January 27, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced parking options.
In her response, Minister Kimmins revealed that funding from her department has enabled Translink to acquire a site on Meeting House Street, adjacent to Ballymoney Train Station. This acquisition will pave the way for additional parking spaces, aiming to alleviate congestion and improve accessibility for the station’s users.
“The project team is currently advancing with feasibility planning,” the Minister stated, “with the intention of presenting an Outline Business Case for the expansion.” The initiative is expected to undergo a thorough review process, including the necessary funding and statutory approvals.
If all goes according to plan, the expanded parking facility could be operational by 2030, a timeline that reflects the urgency of addressing the needs of a community that is seeing significant growth.
As Ballymoney continues to evolve, the expansion of its transport infrastructure is seen as a crucial step towards accommodating the increasing demands of residents and commuters alike.