Transport safety issues highlighted in Plumbridge following floods

by Gráinne Connolly

Following the recent flash floods, Plumbridge was one of the areas throughout Northern Ireland that became overrun with water, resulting in damages to parts of the village. 

Prior to the flooding, safety and congestion on the bridge there has been an ongoing concern for people living in the village, particularly parents of children who get school transport daily. 

Due to extensive flooding, the bridge and its associated footpath was damaged bringing more concerns to the table. 

West Tyrone MLA Declan McAleer has since called on Translink to urgently review bus passenger safety in Plumbridge and met with the local Translink Manager, Sean Falls. 

Speaking after the meeting the MLA said: 

"There is a high volume of traffic in the morning and evening which turns the bridge into a bottleneck, and combined with a large number of pupils getting the bus, this has created safety fears. 

"These concerns have been compounded by the recent flood, which damaged the bridge wall and rendered the pathway unusable." 

Mr McAleer also said the meeting with Translink's Manager was constructive: 

"The meeting was constructive and Mr Falls took on board the concerns put to him. 

"He undertook to consider the options and consult with the Education Authority, which also used the area as a collection point for school pupils. 

"I appreciate that this is not the first time the issue has been raised. I recognise that a long-term solution is needed, but in the interim I feel strongly that steps must be taken to improve the safety of passengers who get the bus from this location each day and I am hopeful that a safer solution can be found."

Right: Translink Manager, Sean Falls and West Tyrone MLA, Declan McAleer