Hazzard welcomes improved Translink services for South Down
Sinn Féin South Down MP Chris Hazzard and Slieve Croob Councillor Cathy Mason met recently with senior officials from Translink to discuss local improvements to services.
The Sinn Féin representatives raised a number of issues with service provision that had been brought to their attention by residents from Newcastle, Downpatrick and the wider Lecale area.
Mr Hazzard said: “We had a really positive meeting with Translink this week discussing a number of issues:
• rural services for the wider Lecale area;
a new town service for Newcastle that includes Bryansford;
and a positive new work force co-design model that ensures local drivers have a say in scheduling and services.
“I was delighted to re-engage with our local Translink officials and see the progress that has been made, and the steps being taken to building back services for a post-pandemic society.
“Now, it is imperative we focus on continuing to build on overall service provision to pre-pandemic levels, but also to increase services to improve our local evening and weekend economies in towns like Downpatrick, Warrenpoint and Newcastle.”
Cllr Mason added: “It was very encouraging to see positive steps being taken for our rural communities. Those who live in the rural Lecale and Slieve Croob areas such as Ballyhornan, Ardglass, and Castlewellan have felt neglected with the current service provision.
“I am pleased to confirm that Ardglass and Ballyhornan have been included in getting an extended service to ensure that rural communities are able to connect to our larger towns and wider communities.
“I was also delighted to hear of additional services from Castlewellan to Belfast in the coming months, giving locals the increased opportunity to use public services for travel into the larger cities.”
