Upper Bann Sinn Féin MLA John O'Dowd welcomed the Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy to the Lurgan area last Thursday along with other DRD officials.

The Minister was in town at the invitation of the local MLA to see first hand the problems the three level crossings are causing for businesses, motorists and residents of the area.

Mr O'Dowd commented: "I appreciate the Minister taking time to come to Lurgan to see the problems these level crossings are causing at first hand. I also welcome the fact that the minister took time to meet with residents of north Lurgan at the Lake Street crossing. The Minister and the officials from the department discussed with residents what long term measures can be taken to alleviate the problems at these locations.

He continued: "The Minister also met with Lurgan Forward to discuss this issue as well as the other traffic management issues in the area, such as the congestion in the town centre and the need for the completion of the Millennium Way."

Mr O'Dowd added: "This was a very constructive and positive meeting and I welcome the can-do attitude that the Minister has adopted to the issues in the Lurgan area. I think everyone acknowledges that the solution to such issues are always going to be long term, however, a start has to be made somewhere and I will continue to work with the Minister on these issues in the time ahead."

During the meeting with Lurgan Forward 'MAIL' coverage and photographs of town centre and level crossing congestion were used to bring the point home to the minister.

Involved from Lurgan Forward were Charles Gardiner, Des Lavery and town centre manager Noel Ferguson.

The meeting facilitated by John O’Dowd enabled Lurgan Forward to further pursue the search for resolutions to the infrastructure problems which besiege the town.

Charles Gardiner, Chairman of Lurgan Forward explained: “Lurgan Forward last met the Minister in November 2007. This follow up meeting was an opportunity to further highlight the needs of the town. Foremost in the discussions were the completion of Millennium Way through to Banbridge Road and solutions to the traffic congestion caused by the three level crossings which sever the town.

“In November we asked the Minister for further meetings with Roads Service and Translink. Roads Service had representation at this most recent meeting.”

In relation to Millennium way it is understood that Lurgan Forward has been in discussions with the land owners along the line of the incomplete road in order to bring about a round table solution and encourage speedy development of the area.

Lurgan Forward has also been striving to highlight the importance and the need for addressing the problems.

Noel Ferguson, Town Centre Manager commented, “We were conscious that previous discussions with the DRD may have given the impression that Lurgan has a ‘wish list’ of issues that need resolved.