Written question asked by David Simpson (Democratic Unionist Party) on Monday, 16 October 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 23 October 2006. It was answered by David Cairns (Labour) on Tuesday, 24 October 2006 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Railway Barrier (Lurgan)

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment his Department has made of the impact on the economy of Lurgan of the frequent closure of the railway barrier; and what steps he has taken to reduce the period of time for which the barrier is closed on a daily basis.

Answer: No assessment has been made of the impact on the economy of Lurgan of the closure of the railway barrier.Roads Service has considered an underpass to separate the railway line and William Street. This option is very expensive with significant environmental consequences at construction stage and did not perform well under economic appraisal.The Department is giving further consideration to representations from Craigavon borough council (seeking provision of an underpass) prior to publication of the sub-regional transport plan.

Secondary information