An Enniskillen ‘town service’ bus pulls in to Enniskillen Ulsterbus Station RMGFH382
THREE main bus routes in Fermanagh facing the chop from Translink, are to be saved.
A senior source within the negotiations told the Herald that the Enniskillen town services, Roslea service and the Altnagelvin Area Hospital route would all remain in operation, albeit with some alterations.
Translink had previously proposed that the services be cut as part of a £7m savings plan across the North in this financial year. The matter had been out for public consultation, with local communities voicing their opposition to the proposals.
The Herald understands that the three services will all be saved, with only some adjustments to service. Enniskillen town bus services (397A, 397B and 397C) – according to the source may see “minor adjustment to the service times”, but will be retained, as will the Roslea (95C) service to Enniskillen. Bus users are also set to continue to avail of a service to Altnagelvin Area Hospital.
The piloted route will remain, with a bus route to Omagh and a connector from Omagh to Altnagelvin to be put in place.
At this stage the staff have not yet been informed of the safeguarding of local services.
When informed of the news local UNITE trade unionist Donal O’Cofaigh, who was involved in consultations with Translink, was delighted at the developments, stating it’s been a “hell of a fight”.
“It’s a big success for us and it shows that the trade unions can play a very important role in terms of making efficiencies in the public service and save the public service from the austerity cuts.”
Meanwhile, Coleshill Community Association secretary Ethel Oldcroft was delighted to hear the Enniskillen town services are to be retained.
“It’s very good news, because here in Coleshill there is a lot of elderly people who wouldn’t get to town only for the bus, they would rely on the service.”
“Even out by Drumawill, I know they have a shop, but for the post office and banking matters they have to come to the town. And the bus service to the hospital, you wouldn’t get out to there only for the bus.”
Chairman of Roslea Enterprises John Maxwell called it the “least of two bad options”.
“That’s better than the kick in the teeth we were getting,” he remarked.
He added:
“We need our links. All economic links have to be maintained as far as I’m concerned.”
Noreen Callaghan, who operates Roslea Tile and Curtain Centre, was pleased to hear the service would be maintained and said it was a logical decision.
“The children have to get to school someway so there is no logic any other way.”
Micheal Mowen, manager of the Oak Healthy Living Centre in Lisnaskea said the news was a boost to the Roslea community.
“Transport links to the hospital and transport links in general are very important, especially with an older population depending on it.”
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