Kennedy launches £1.3million investment project for Ballymoney

Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has launched a £1.3million investment project in Ballymoney that will benefit cyclists, pedestrians and rail users.
~ Wednesday, 1 February 2012

The project will see the construction of a new, fully accessible, traffic-free bridge at Ballymoney Train Station that will provide a new safe and direct link between the north and south of the town, avoiding busy roads.

It will also provide improved access to station platforms and provide an additional 35 park and ride spaces for the increasing number of people travelling by rail.

Danny Kennedy said: “Today sees the result of successful partnership working between the Department for Regional Development, Translink, Ballymoney Borough Council and national charity Sustrans. That determined partnership has delivered investment to Ballymoney and the public transport infrastructure.

“Along with DRD funding of £940,000 the scheme was submitted under a Sustrans bid for Big Lottery funding of £425,000. I commend the work and additional financial contribution of all the partners involved in the successful enterprise.”

The new footbridge will have ramped access which provides disabled access to the station platforms and also provides an alternative means for pedestrians and cyclists to cross the railway line as they travel between Riverside Park and the town along the new footpath and cycle path.

Translink/NITHC Chairman John Trethowan said: “This project provides both local people and visitors to Ballymoney with safe and convenient access links making sustainable transport options more integrated and accessible. These exciting developments will also support growing demand for rail services as we continue to roll out 20 new trains across the network.

“We would like to thank all our partners for essential project funding and will keep the local community informed on progress as we work hard to deliver attractive travel solutions for everyone,” said Mr Trethowan.

Steven Patterson, Director of Sustrans Northern Ireland, said, “This bridge will help more people leave their cars at home and get active when travelling into town. We’re delighted that the Minister is backing this exciting project, and hope that he’ll be inspired to champion more walking and cycling for communities across Northern Ireland.”

The scheme is part of a UK-wide project from charity Sustrans, which is delivering new routes for everyday walking and cycling journeys in communities across the UK.

Ballymoney Mayor and project Steering Group chairperson, Councillor Ian Stevenson said: “This exciting initiative began just over five years ago in October 2006 and today’s event represents the culmination of much hard work and determination to see this project come to fruition.

“The new infrastructure will be of enormous benefit to Ballymoney residents and visitors and highlights the positive achievements of partnership working at a local level.”

The work on the scheme is due for completion by August this year.

Notes to editors:

1. All media queries to Department for Regional Development Press Office Tel 028 9054 0004. Out of office hours please contact the Daily Press Office via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.
2. Sustrans is the charity that’s enabling people to travel by foot, bike or public transport for more of the journeys we make every day. It’s time we all began making smarter travel choices. Make your move and support Sustrans today. Visit the Sustrans website.
3. In 2007, as part of their Living Landmarks programme, the Big Lottery Fund awarded Sustrans £50million to create new walking and cycling links for everyday journeys in communities across the UK. The project will see new routes crossing road, river and rail to break down the barriers to making local journeys on foot or by bike.