08/09/2025
Translink And Minister Celebrate Grand Central Station's First Year
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has joined Translink to mark the first anniversary of Grand Central Station, the £340 million flagship project that has become the largest transport hub in Ireland.
With 26 bus stands and eight rail platforms, the station has handled up to 20 million passenger journeys in its first year, demonstrating a significant investment in public transport.
"I am delighted to be here today to wish Translink many happy returns on this milestone," Minister Kimmins said. "It highlights the importance of infrastructure and the transformative changes it can bring."
Translink Group Chief Executive Chris Conway added that the station's success shows how public transport investment can be a "catalyst for change" for the economy and society.
He thanked all who contributed to the "award-winning" facility, from contractors to customers, and said the company looks forward to realising the station's full potential in a "successful, thriving Northern Ireland."
Beyond its role as a transport hub, the station has also become a community focal point, hosting performances and special events.
New traffic measures for Belfast's festive period
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins also announced new traffic measures to help keep Belfast moving in the run-up to Christmas.
The changes include aiming to reopen Durham Street to two-way traffic by the end of November and extending the hours of existing bus lanes on key southern routes. Additionally, new smart sensor technology will provide real-time data to help with traffic management.
The Minister confirmed that temporary bus lanes on streets like Great Victoria Street and Dublin Road will be retained, as will the arrangements allowing additional taxis to use certain bus lanes.
Minister Kimmins said the measures were developed with input from various parties, including Belfast Chamber and Retail NI, with a shared goal of ensuring the city centre "remains a welcoming, accessible, and thriving destination" during the festive period and beyond.
A communications strategy will also be launched to inform the public of the measures and promote alternatives to private cars, such as public transport and Park & Ride.
She also confirmed that a pre-Christmas embargo will suspend all non-essential roadworks on key routes in the city centre.
"While we can introduce practical actions to help ease traffic build-up, we can all play a part by thinking about when to travel and how," the Minister concluded.
With 26 bus stands and eight rail platforms, the station has handled up to 20 million passenger journeys in its first year, demonstrating a significant investment in public transport.
"I am delighted to be here today to wish Translink many happy returns on this milestone," Minister Kimmins said. "It highlights the importance of infrastructure and the transformative changes it can bring."
Translink Group Chief Executive Chris Conway added that the station's success shows how public transport investment can be a "catalyst for change" for the economy and society.
He thanked all who contributed to the "award-winning" facility, from contractors to customers, and said the company looks forward to realising the station's full potential in a "successful, thriving Northern Ireland."
Beyond its role as a transport hub, the station has also become a community focal point, hosting performances and special events.
New traffic measures for Belfast's festive period
The changes include aiming to reopen Durham Street to two-way traffic by the end of November and extending the hours of existing bus lanes on key southern routes. Additionally, new smart sensor technology will provide real-time data to help with traffic management.
The Minister confirmed that temporary bus lanes on streets like Great Victoria Street and Dublin Road will be retained, as will the arrangements allowing additional taxis to use certain bus lanes.
Minister Kimmins said the measures were developed with input from various parties, including Belfast Chamber and Retail NI, with a shared goal of ensuring the city centre "remains a welcoming, accessible, and thriving destination" during the festive period and beyond.
A communications strategy will also be launched to inform the public of the measures and promote alternatives to private cars, such as public transport and Park & Ride.
She also confirmed that a pre-Christmas embargo will suspend all non-essential roadworks on key routes in the city centre.
"While we can introduce practical actions to help ease traffic build-up, we can all play a part by thinking about when to travel and how," the Minister concluded.
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Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has joined Translink to mark the first anniversary of Grand Central Station, the £340 million flagship project that has become the largest transport hub in Ireland.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.