Northern Ireland Transport Minister, Conor Murphy joined Translink today to cut the first sod for the construction of a new railway station at Newry.



The £14.6 million rail station will include a 300-space Park and Ride facility, an enclosed link bridge between platforms and a new integrated bus terminus.

Mr Murphy said: "The construction of a £14.6 million railway station in Newry will be a major asset for public transport in Newry and the whole region and is part of a major investment programme to be delivered by Translink/NI Railways designed to upgrade railway services. 



"My key objective in investing in railway services is to encourage more commuters and other travellers out of the car and onto public transport. The purchase of 23 new trains and the upgrade of railway lines have already resulted in more comfortable and reliable services and led to significant increases in passenger numbers. Rail reliability and punctuality have also improved substantially and in 2007 customer satisfaction with rail services was at its highest level in over 10 years."



The Minister added: "I look forward to the completion of this station in late 2009 when passengers will benefit from a modern, fully accessible station which will provide better and more comfortable facilities for all."

(VB/JM)