Translink have cancelled line closures between Belfast and Derry after concern caused by the work planned over the Halloween weekend.
On Monday morning the public transport operator announced engineering work was set to take place between October 29-31.
However, a number of people expressed concern that the closure would have a significant impact on Derry’s annual Halloween festival.
It has now emerged Translink have pushed the work planned in the area for that weekend to the next week, according to the SDLP Foyle MLA Sinead McLaughlin.
Speaking on BBC NI’s Talkback Ms McLaughlin said: “My Twitter feed was going pretty crazy last night when the announcement was made.
“Obviously, I was really concerned about it, Halloween is one of the biggest events in Derry.
“This year more than any year, our businesses desperately need the Halloween festival to be successful and visitors to come in their droves as we are facing into a very hard winter.
“I have reached out to Translink this morning. Chris Conway has assured me he is reviewing the situation.
“There were six pieces of work scheduled. They have looked at the schedule and the one area that was really frustrating us was the Sunday closure on 30 October and he has assured me he is moving it out to the following weekend.
“The rail is open Saturday, Sunday and Monday.”
In a statement, a Translink spokesperson said: “Translink is planning major improvement works across the rail network over the Halloween weekend.
“We are committed to making the City’s Halloween event a success and are working closely with Derry City and Strabane Council to plan public transport arrangements.
“Careful consideration has been given to the Halloween festivities over this weekend and the rail line will remain open between Belfast and Derry throughout the weekend from Saturday 29 October to Monday 31 October to mininise overall impact on passengers travelling to the festivities.
“The works planned for the Derry line on Sunday 30th October will be postponed until the following weekend.
“We are also planning additonal later bus and train services from the city on Monday 31 October to make it easy for people to travel by public transport to the main parade event and fireworks display.
“Rail services on the Larne and cross border train lines will be impacted with bus substitutions in place and passengers are being advised to check times before they travel by visiting www.translink.co.uk or use the Journey Planner and allow extra time for their journey.”
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