Proposed disruption to the Derry rail line over Halloween weekend has been scaled back.
Translink faced backlash after their announcement of planned works to take place on the Derry to Belfast line from October 28 until 31, which would have caused partial closure of the line.
Today, Translink announced that the line will now remain open between Derry and Belfast, with the most disruptive works delayed for a week.
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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, October 29 to Monday, October 31 to minimise overall impact on passengers travelling to the festivities.
“The works planned for the Derry line on Sunday, October 30 will be postponed until the following weekend. We are also planning additional later bus and train services from the city on Monday, October 31 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.”
Several Foyle MLAs wrote to Translink and have welcomed the announcement that the train line is to remain open.
Sinn Féin MLA Padráíg Delargy said: "Halloween is a big attraction in Derry and any proposed line closures affecting the travel of tourists and visitors to the city would impact the local economy as well as the experience.
"I welcome the commitment by Translink that the railway line between Belfast and Derry will remain open during Halloween weekend and that they are also planning additional bus and train services to the area to make it easier for people wishing to travel to the main parade and firework display."
SDLP Foyle MLA Sinéad McLaughlin said: "Planned work and closures on the Derry to Belfast railway line over the Halloween weekend caused considerable concern given the thousands of people who will be travelling to our city to take part in the celebrations and annual parade.
"Derry is renowned as the world’s number one Halloween destination and our local economy and businesses benefit hugely from this event so it’s important that we have the public transport infrastructure in place to make it as easy as possible for people to travel here to take part.
SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan added: "I am delighted that a quick solution has been reached that will not cause any disruption to people wishing to travel to Derry over the Halloween weekend. I am glad common sense has prevailed and we can now focus on making this Halloween a success."
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