Davy McMurray, Unite

Mounting costs from Translink mismanagement of Belfast to Dublin rail service threatening wider budget for public transport

January 11th Unite Regional Officer, Davy McMurray, has challenged the failure of Translink management which has seen a six-week delay so far in the specialised De Dietrich Enterprise Dublin Express trains coming back into service:

“The De Dietrich trains, which are dedicated for use on the Enterprise Belfast to Dublin service, were meant to be back into service after refurbishment at the end of November but at present all three trains are still off the tracks.

“Unite has facilitated this work in every way possible. Our members have accommodated management in terms of overtime and flexible working. This is a case of management failure and this overrun is resulting in considerable ongoing costs which will have to come out of what is an already hard-pressed budget for public transport services.

“In the absence of the refurbished trains, the Enterprise service is being run with substitute trains mostly without first class carriages and with a limited catering service – all of which is undermining the quality of the service offered. Unite is calling on management to act urgently and address this delay”, Mr McMurray concluded.