Climate message rolls into Newry as young artists take centre stage

A Translink bus featuring the winning artwork of two schoolchildren has arrived in the city as part of a regional roadshow promoting climate action and sustainable travel.

The fully wrapped low-emissions Ulsterbus features designs by Ruby, aged nine, a pupil at St Clare's Abbey Primary School, Newry and Cassy, aged eight, from Holy Cross Primary School, Attical. The pair were among just eight winners chosen from more than 1,000 entries submitted across Northern Ireland as part of Translink's Brand A Bus competition, making their selection a considerable achievement.

The competition asked young artists to visualise a cleaner, greener Northern Ireland, with the aim of encouraging the next generation to consider the role public transport plays in tackling climate change. The winning designs were first unveiled at Belfast Grand Central Station before the bus entered passenger service across the province.

Greg McLaughlin, Service Delivery Manager for Newry at Translink, said: "Introducing this youth-inspired bus into passenger service in Newry has been really special" adding "Their creativity promotes a more sustainable future and reflects our own Climate Positive ambitions, so we are delighted to share their talent across Newry."

Both winners received an art pack in recognition of their work, and the bus will continue its tour across the region as part of Translink's wider climate action focus.