£27m Transport Hub Opens In L'Derry

A new £27m railway station in L'Derry has opened to the public.

Located on the site of the city's former Victorian railway station, the North-West Transport Hub will facilitate cohesion between rail and bus services both sides of the border.

It is intended to act as a gateway to the North-West region, as well as promoting active and sustainable travel, bringing together a wide range of transport modes and providing enhanced customer and staff facilities.

Sinn Fein MP for the area Elisha McCallion said the competition is "fantastic" news for the city.

"This state-of-the-art facility will increase connectivity across the north west and provide a huge economic boost to the city.

"I commend those involved, including former Minister Chris Hazzard, in transforming this wonderful old building and bringing it into line with the 21st century.

"It also shows the value of EU funding which projects which will be stripped away as a result of the disastrous Tory/DUP Brexit agenda."

The project was delivered with funding from the EU's INTERREG VA Programme, the Department for Infrastructure and the Department for Transport, Tourism and Sport in the Republic of Ireland, as well as support from Derry City and Strabane District Council.

The development saw the Grade-B listed building restored and repurposed into a modern transport facility, with further works at the park and ride site and bus turning circle to be completed by next summer.

The North-West Transport Hub will allow for improved co-ordination between rail and local and cross-border bus services, as well as a Greenway link to the city centre and Foyle Street Bus Centre via the iconic Peace Bridge.

Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Michaela Boyle said the development is in line with key priorities to promote more active and sustainable travel options for a healthier lifestyle across the region.

"The Hub will also act as a catalyst for development in the Waterside area of the city and is an excellent example of a successful partnership approach to supporting business, leisure and tourism across the city and district," Mayor Boyle commented.

John McGrath, Deputy Secretary at the Department for Infrastructure, said: "By linking in the historic Waterside Station with the City's greenway network and connecting local communities, the station will further enhance the passenger experience and place rail at the heart of Derry-Londonderry's transport network. The operational opening of the station today is a significant milestone in the delivery of this exciting project. The completion of the Hub next year will offer further opportunities to drive continued growth in passenger numbers on the Derry~Londonderry line and exploit the tourism potential of rail in the North-West."



(JG/MH)