O’Dowd progressing vanity projects whilst Department chaos continues

Carla Lockhart MP • August 31, 2022

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart and Cllr Margaret Tinsley have slammed Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd for his decision to proceed with a feasibility study on a proposal to spend thousands of pounds of taxpayers money on a footbridge at the Bannfoot.  The proposed bridge would cross the River Bann between Charlestown village and Columbkile. The DUP representative said the proposal had been rejected on multiple occasions before, and continued to have no support from the community in Charlestown.

Carla Lockhart said:

 

“This announcement from the Minister beggars belief.

 

People in Charlestown cannot get an MOT to keep their car on the road. They despair at the state of the road infrastructure in the area. Residents would like greater access to public transport. All pressing issues that fall under the responsibility of John O’Dowd as Infrastructure Minister.

 

Yet instead of prioritising these issues, and fixing the escalating mess within the Department under his watch, the Minister is instead focusing on feasibility for a bridge that is not wanted by the local community and for which there is absolutely no need. It is a Sinn Fein vanity project, and clearly one that the Minister believes should be paid for by the taxpayer.

 

People living at the Bannfoot would much prefer the Minister invest money in addressing deficiencies in their local roads, instead of foisting a bridge upon the community for which there is no local support. This proposal has been rejected before, and must be rejected again.

 

John O’Dowd needs to wise up, and spend his time fixing the problems within DfI, not use the Department for self-indulgent projects that only Sinn Fein want.”

Share

UK-EU reset agreement must deliver tangible benefits

By Carla Lockhart MP • February 26, 2026
DUP Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has noted the Westminster EFRA Committee’s 5th report on UK-EU Agri-trade, saying an SPS agreement with the EU could deliver real tangible benefits if negotiated properly. 

MP urges Chancellor to restore confidence in British farming

By Carla Lockhart MP • February 26, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart MP is calling on the Chancellor to use the upcoming Spring Budget to right the wrongs of her previous actions.

Northern Ireland Cannot Be Left Behind Under Industry and Exports Bill

By Carla Lockhart MP • February 25, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has criticised the Government’s decision to push through the Industry and Exports Bill without accepting safeguards to ensure Northern Ireland benefits equally from increased financial support.

Lockhart Welcomes Staffing Boost for Banbridge Delivery Office Amid Ongoing Postal Delays

By Carla Lockhart MP • February 25, 2026
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart has confirmed four new staff to begin work following engagement with Royal Mail over unacceptable delays. She has welcomed confirmation that four new staff members are due to commence work at Banbridge Delivery Office following her recent meeting with Royal Mail senior management regarding ongoing postal delays.

Lockhart Tables Motion Condemning Glorification of Terrorism and Demands Law Change

By Carla Lockhart MP • February 25, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has tabled a motion in Parliament condemning remarks made by Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald and calling for urgent legislative reform to prevent the glorification of convicted terrorists.

Lockhart Praises World-Leading Ulster Carpets as a Flagship Manufacturer for Northern Ireland

By Carla Lockhart MP • February 25, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has praised Ulster Carpets following a visit to the Portadown-based, family-controlled manufacturer, describing it as a world-leading company that continues to showcase the very best of Northern Ireland industry on the global stage. With its global export success, major multi-million pound investment and 350 strong workforce at Portadown Ms Lockhart has hailed it a world leading manufacturer.

Lockhart Praises Annaghmore Crown Defenders After Successful Community Breakfast

By Carla Lockhart MP • February 25, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has praised Annaghmore Crown Defenders Flute Band following a hugely successful community breakfast event.

Lockhart Welcomes Lisa Partridge’s Appointment to Support UDR Benevolent Fund

By Carla Lockhart MP • February 25, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the recent appointment of local woman Lisa Partridge to support and promote the work of the UDR Benevolent Fund.

Lockhart Raises Serious Concerns Over Poor Mobile Phone Coverage in Upper Bann

By Carla Lockhart MP • February 25, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has raised serious concerns about ongoing poor mobile phone coverage across Upper Bann and is compiling evidence to present to network providers.

Lockhart Seeks Urgent Treasury Meeting Over Proposed Changes to Childminders’ Tax Allowance

By Carla Lockhart MP • February 25, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has raised serious concerns and written to the Chancellor seeking an urgent meeting with the Treasury over HMRC proposals to remove the long-standing 10% “wear and tear” tax-free allowance for childminders who transition onto Making Tax Digital.