IRISH NEWS
Campaigners argue that Derry ‘deserves better’ in row over listed station building.
Translink has come under fire over its regeneration plans for Londonderry’s Grade II-listed Waterside station. The Northern Ireland transport operator has unveiled plans for a £26 million “multi-modal transport hub” – but proposes to terminate trains beyond the train shed. A lobby group called Into the West has protested against the plan, and described Translink’s plans for the interior of the building as “bland and mediocre”. Into the West Secretary Dr Martin Melaugh said: “Derry deserves better, and generations to come will blame us for selling them short if we don’t fight for it.” The project will involve new track and signalling, along with a new platform. To comply with modern safety regulations, it is expected that the platform will have to be straight, with greater capacity than the existing facility. Opened in 1852 by the Londonderry & Coleraine Railway, Waterside closed in 1980, when Translink developed a new station on the banks of the nearby River Foyle. Since then it has been in commercial ownership, but the stone façade has been preserved. Translink said: “The original building will be restored, while the existing station will be demolished and the land used for a bus turning circle.” The Railway Preservation Society of Ireland said: “We do not take a position on such debates, we will let members make up their own minds. “Of more importance to the RPSI would be a platform of adequate length and a suitable loop with, ideally, a turntable.”