Mallon launches consultation on enhanced facilities at Ballymena Park and Ride

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has launched a public consultation on proposals for enhanced facilities at Ballymena Park and Ride.

The proposed plans will provide an additional 400+ parking spaces at Ballymena Bus and Rail Centre.  It will be a safe and secure facility, with accessible parking, 24-hour CCTV, security fencing and lighting. Access will be via Galgorm Road, and cycle parking will also be accommodated. 

Launching the public consultation process Minister Mallon said: 

“I am delighted to announce a public consultation on proposals to provide enhanced facilities at Ballymena Park and Ride.

“I am committed to delivering sustainable infrastructure that will transform communities and improve lives.  I want to create more opportunities for people to walk, wheel, cycle and use public transport as we know this not only leads to improved physical and mental wellbeing, it also helps tackle the climate crisis. 

“The proposed plans which will provide an additional 400+ parking spaces at Ballymena Bus and Rail Centre are designed to meet present and anticipated future demand from passengers on this vital corridor. The site enjoys an excellent location on Galgorm Road, close to the town centre with pedestrian access to bus and rail facilities. 

“The development of the Ballymena Park & Ride is one of a number of schemes I am committed to progressing across Northern Ireland.  Moreover, as I work to deliver the change our society needs, I want citizens to work in partnership with us to transform our local communities and deliver that lasting change. Therefore I would encourage the local community to respond to the public consultation process so we can deliver more together.”

John Glass, Translink's Director of Infrastructure and Projects, said:

‘‘This will be a significant project, providing much-needed additional capacity at one of Translink’s best used passenger facilities and facilitating growing passenger numbers on the vital Northern Rail Corridor.   

‘‘Park and Ride is a key component of Translink’s plans for a ‘green recovery’ as we build back from COVID-19, helping to reduce congestion in towns and cities and developing safer, healthier communities, as well as encouraging active and sustainable travel.  

‘‘As our society moves forward in the years ahead, more sustainable transport modes, including public transport, will be essential and park and ride enables at least part of a journey to be made by public transport.  

‘‘We intend to submit the formal planning application in the coming weeks, with the hope that planning approval will be granted shortly thereafter, which would allow works to get underway a few months later, with work completing in 2023.  

‘‘We want to encourage everyone to have their say in the public consultation programme which runs until Monday 21 June.  More information, including details on how to respond to the consultation, can be found online at Translink”

Notes to editors: 

1. Minister Mallon is pictured with John Glass, Translink's Director of Infrastructure and Projects.
2. Subject to planning approval, it is hoped that work on these enhanced facilities will be able to commence in 2022.
3. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press at press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk. 
4. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
5. Follow the Department on Twitter @deptinfra and on Facebook @DepartmentforInfrastructure

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