Tag Archives: Translink

Beggs Opposes Part Privatisation of Translink

East Antrim Ulster Unionist Party MLA Roy Beggs has today voted against the privatisation of Translink public transport services. The Ulster Unionist Party was the only Executive Committee party not to agree to adopt a report which suggests the franchising out of certain Translink routes. Speaking after the debate, Mr Beggs said; “I was shocked to read the DRD Committee report which we were asked to adopt today which made provision for the privatisation of some Translink services. “Under the Ulster Unionist Party Minister, Danny Kennedy, we have seen passenger numbers increase every year on the Larne Line with extra park and ride facilities added at Carrickfergus, Larne and Jordanstown. We have seen new trains, running more frequently with a more convenient schedule. “It is for precisely these reasons that I believe Translink should remain under the control of the Department for Regional Development. I strongly hold the opinion that … Continue reading

Posted in Press Releases | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Public Transport to Follow Opening of Larne West Road Link

Local Ulster Unionist representatives Roy Beggs Jnr MLA and Larne Mayor Maureen Morrow have viewed the substantial roads works which have been carried in the Lindara development off the Linn road in Larne West. The latest phase will see the main link road between the major housing developments of Walnut Hollow and Lindara finally opened up to through traffic and public transport. Commenting Roy Beggs MLA said: “The removal of the large pile of soil and rubble on the main link road between Lindara and Walnut Hollow is a sign that progress is finally being made in completing the work which was left undone when the developer Eassda went bust. It has been a long process- and there are still a couple of areas which are unresolved- but the utilization of the Roads Bonds by the Roads Service led by DRD Minister Danny Kennedy has really progressed matters over the … Continue reading

Posted in Press Releases | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Roy Welcomes Completion of Rail Track Work

Ulster Unionist MLA Roy Beggs has welcomed the completion of the railway track upgrade on the Larne Line, and Translink’s intention to remove the speed restrictions associated with track conditions between Whitehead and Larne ‘in the very near future’. The East Antrim MLA said, “The new continuous welded rail will further improve the passenger experience, and together with the new trains will enable staff to provide a really high quality rail service. The reduced noise from the welded track will also result in less annoyance for those living close to the track. This will support even greater rail passenger growth.” The most recent project has seen 4.5 miles of track re-railed. Track was also remodelled in Larne Harbour and lowered in Larne Town to facilitate platform extension works. Roy Beggs MLA continued, “I have been informed that completion of additional civil engineering work will enable the removal of the temporary … Continue reading

Posted in Press Releases | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Numbers Significantly up on East Antrim Railway line

East Antrim Ulster Unionist MLA Roy Beggs has welcomed the significant increase in railway passenger numbers on the Larne Line, and suggested that Translink should move swiftly to increase the use of 6 car train sets on express services to accommodate more customers. Mr Beggs said: “After being starved of investment for years it is gratifying to note the change for the better for rail passengers under an Ulster Unionist Minister for Regional Development- Danny Kennedy. The new trains and facilities on the Larne line have led to a significant increase in passenger numbers using the railway line. Figures given to me as an answer to a question I placed in the Assembly show that the latest monthly passenger numbers for the Larne line have increased by nearly 21,000 compared to the equivalent time period just one year ago. I always said ‘provide the service and the passengers will return’, … Continue reading

Posted in Press Releases | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Red Letter Day as Contractor is appointed for A2 Roadworks

East Antrim Ulster Unionist Party MLA Roy Beggs Jnr, who for many years had been lobbying for the A2 Greenisland up-grade, has welcomed the award of the contract for the A2 Road improvement scheme. Mr Beggs said, “This is a red letter day for the residents, businesses and commuters from Carrickfergus and surrounding area who have suffered significant traffic congestion and delays for decades. With the appointment of a main contractor, the much needed and long awaited work to uncork the Greenisland A2 traffic bottleneck is ready to go. It can be expected that with all the statutory processes completed, work will begin in a few months after the contractor sets up his site yard. At this point it is worth reflecting that the appointment of an Ulster Unionist Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy with a mandate to progress the A2 road dualling in June 2011 was a crucial factor … Continue reading

Posted in Press Releases | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment