1 February 2008

Dear Colleagues,

Today we made public one of our most significant station redevelopment projects to date - a £12.6 million investment in a rail station for Newry with a new road link and a 300 space P&R facility. 

Following a tendering process, contracts are to be awarded to local construction companies Felix O’Hare and Co. Ltd. for the building of the station / P&R and Fox Building Engineering Ltd. for the access road.

Work will begin this month and is due to be completed by late 2009.  By then passengers and staff will be able to enjoy a modern, fully accessible station with more room, comfort and convenience.    

This really is great news for the local community in Newry and in particular the quarter of a million passengers who use Newry station each year.  Of course it should deliver more growth in passenger numbers on the local and cross-border rail networks.
 
There will be some initial disruption for passengers including reduced P&R facilities as a result of this work, but we have introduced additional free shuttle bus services from Monday this week to operate between Newry Buscentre and the rail station.  

This is more evidence of our growing successful network and the support of local Minister and Assembly.

Also, the 6 Nations rugby tournament kicks off tomorrow in Dublin.  As always we will carry many fans on our scheduled and special trains.  Good luck to Ireland!

Philip O'Neill,

Acting Chief Executive

This really is great news for the local community in Newry