Derry GAA train leaving from Belfast 'baffles' lobby group
"It is absurd"
Translink has faced criticism for running a special rail service for the All-Ireland football final that runs from Belfast for Derry GAA fans.
Rory Gallagher's team take on Galway on Saturday at Croke Park.
Translink are operating special coach service leaving Foyle Street in Londonderry, Dungiven and Maghera.
While the train service will be operating from Belfast.
However, Chair of the Into the West Rail Lobby group, Steve Bradley, has questioned why the train service is not running from the city.
He said: You really do have to wonder what thinking did Translink come to the conclusion that it would be acceptable to put on a service for people from County Derry that goes absolutely no where near County Derry.
“If you take Layon Place in Belfast the nearest part in County Derry in 30 miles away, the county’s largest population centre in Derry city is 70 miles away and its second largest is 52 miles away in Coleraine.
“So, you really have to wonder what the decision process was that got them to the stage where they thought yes it makes sense to put on a special train for Derry supporters that goes nowhere near County Derry.
“It is good that there is some public transport provision.
“Dungiven and Maghera aren’t on the rail lines so to have buses from there makes absolute sense.
“There is still time for them to change their mind and to ensure the service for Derry actually leaves from Derry.
“But even if we don’t win this particular argument for Saturday, it’s about laying down a very clear marker in the future, because with a fair win and a bit of luck Derry will hopefully win on Saturday and then we’ve got a question of an All-Ireland final.
A Translink spokesperson said: “We are operating a number of transport options to the GAA all Ireland football semi-final in Dublin on Saturday.
“There are coach specials leaving Foyle Street in Derry~Londonderry, Dungiven and Maghera to Dublin.
“A rail special is also running from Belfast to Dublin (return) on Saturday for those wishing to travel by train.
“Passengers can use scheduled services to connect with this train. We will assess requirements from bookings for onward connections for the return journey as the week progresses, subject to demand.”
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