Blow to tourism

Sinn Fein representative Cara McShane was speaking after Translink said the 'Antrim Coaster' service will be withdrawn from Monday January 4 and will now only run from March 29 to October 3 in 2010.

Councillor McShane told a meeting of Moyle Council: "We are an area heavily reliant on tourism. We are trying to extend the season."

SDLP councillor Catherine McCambridge said: "The loss of the coastal bus service is a sign of the times - more cuts."

In a letter to Moyle Council, Translink's Northern Area Manager Arthur Hamilton, said: 'You will be aware a number of rural Ulsterbus services are made available through support from the Rural Transport Fund administered by the Department of Regional Development.

'This scheme provides support for a number of rural bus services that while uneconomic to operate are considered socially useful.

'With the increasing financial pressures on government departments we have, in partnership with DRD, reviewed all the services supported by the Rural Transport Fund to ensure that they are meeting the needs of rural dwellers.

'As a result of this review some services will be withdrawn from Monday January 4. Where feasible we have made adjustments to other Ulsterbus services in order to offer different travel options.

'The following service changes will come into effect from Monday January 4, 2010: Ulsterbus Goldline 252: Antrim Coaster, Belfast - Ballycastle via Coast Road. Will operate from March 29 to October 3, 2010.

'During the winter months, passengers visiting the North Coast will be able to travel using a more direct route as follows: Goldline Express 218 Belfast to Coleraine. Ulsterbus Service 172 Coleraine to Ballycastle via Giant's Causeway and Carrick-a-rede.

'Alternatively, if some passengers wish to follow the coast route they can avail of inter connecting local Ulsterbus Services. Details of these will be available on the journey planner on the Translink website www.translink.co.uk

'A new North Coast brochure to promote the various timetable options will also be available in the new year.

'Passenger information will be displayed at main bus stations. Passengers can also visit www.translink.co.uk or call 02890666630.

'I trust you will understand that we must make the best use of the limited resources we have available in order to continue to provider better services overall for our passengers.

'We have been in regular discussion with DRD regarding service adjustments particularly where passenger numbers are extremely low and are unsustainable in the current economic climate.

'We will, however, continue to work closely with DRD to identify where there is potential to develop services commercially in an effort to improve access and reduce social isolation,' said Mr Hamilton's letter.