Families ‘left on platform’ as crowds flock to day one of the Fleadh

In a statement to Belfast Live, Translink said that they continue to monitor demand across the network

Families have reported being left struggling to get into Belfast City Centre to enjoy the first day of the Fleadh festivities, with trains and buses operating at full capacity.

One commuter who contacted Belfast Live said that multiple families were left standing on platforms at several train stations because the trains were “packed to the doors”.

In the run-up to the Fleadh, Translink encouraged people to take public transport and to plan ahead for their journey.

“Translink appear to be only scheduling an hourly three-carriage service like any other Sunday on the first day of the Fleadh.

“There have been multiple families left on platforms at Finaghy, Balmoral etc.

“The trains are packed to the doors. There is zero planning visible and zero customer service.”

A Translink spokesperson said: “We are operating enhanced capacity and frequency across bus and train services to accommodate both Fleadh visitors and regular passengers.

“We continue to monitor demand across the public transport network, responding appropriately using all available resources.

“Our passengers should leave extra time for their journeys and expect services to be busy during the week ahead.

“Keep up to date with the latest public transport updates via the Translink Journey Planner App and socials.”

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