Write a commentNewry & Armagh Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan has said that he and his colleague Mickey Brady MLA have asked for an urgent meeting with senior Translink senior management to discuss their proposals to cut Urban Bus Services in Armagh & Newry cities.
Although acknowledging the difficult economic conditions faced by many agencies, the Sinn Féin elected representative said the loss of such services to Armagh & Newry would be a devastating blow.
“Translink, like many other departments, agencies and businesses, no doubt are facing reduced revenue grants, however there has to be a balance when decisions about withdrawal of services are being made,” he said and he continued
“Urban Services in particular are important. They are essential to combat social exclusion, and help create better mobility and access to facilities for all. Older people in particular need access to essential services. Many households have no car and many even in car-owning households do not have access to a car, or are too young or too old to drive one. Buses enable non-drivers to access jobs, shops, education, training and services. They also help create less traffic within the Urban environs thus reducing log jams.Cuts in services to the Public must be a last resort not a first option".
The MLA concluded by stating that he and Mickey Brady would seek to meet with Translink as a matter of urgency.
