Calls for action over Ballymoney Train Station as passengers face closed building and locked toilets

Ballymoney Train Station

Thursday 15 October 2026

Passengers using Ballymoney Train Station are facing difficulties accessing the station building and toilet facilities, prompting calls for action after local residents complained about arriving to find them closed.

Concerns have been raised about the impact on people travelling to work, education and medical appointments, particularly parents with young children who may need access to toilets while waiting for trains.

Ulster Unionist Party Leader, North Antrim MLA Jon Burrows, along with the party’s local representative Gary Simpson are calling for a practical solution that would provide passengers with reasonable access to the facilities without requiring the station to remain open around the clock.

Concerns raised with Infrastructure Minister

Mr Burrows has written directly to the Infrastructure Minister following complaints from constituents who say the station building is not regularly open to the public and toilet facilities are frequently locked.

He acknowledged that keeping public toilets open 24 hours a day may not be practical but urged the Department for Infrastructure to consider arrangements that better meet passengers' needs.

Mr Burrows said:

“Ballymoney Train Station is an important facility for the town and for people travelling to work, education, and appointments further afield.

“I have been contacted by constituents who are understandably frustrated that they arrive at the station only to find the building closed and the toilet facilities unavailable.

“Nobody is suggesting that the station has to be open 24 hours a day, but there has to be a sensible balance. If we are serious about encouraging people to use public transport, the facilities available to passengers need to be accessible and fit for purpose.

“I have now asked the Department to look at this again and to work towards a practical solution.”

Questions over public access to station building

Gary Simpson, the Ulster Unionist Party's Ballymoney representative, also questioned the arrangements for a public transport facility that serves the town and surrounding area.

He said:

“Ballymoney Train Station is probably one of our most important strategic assets. We need to look after it and ensure it is fit for purpose for working families in 2026.

“What is the point in spending public money maintaining a public building that is effectively closed to the public?”

Mr Simpson argued that passengers were seeking reasonable access to existing facilities rather than demanding unrestricted opening hours.

He added:

“People aren't asking for anything unreasonable. They simply want to be able to use the facilities at their local train station when they are travelling.

“It’s time for a little common sense.”

Practical solution sought for passengers

The concerns raise questions about the availability of basic passenger facilities at Ballymoney and how access can be balanced with the practical requirements of operating and managing the station.

Mr Burrows and Mr Simpson said they would continue pressing for a workable arrangement that allows passengers reasonable access to the station building and toilets.

The Department for Infrastructure's response to Mr Burrows' correspondence has not been provided, and no revised opening arrangements have been confirmed.

For passengers, the key question remains whether changes will be introduced to ensure the station's existing facilities are available when they are needed.