Train delay hits rail delegates

Cattle on the track caused the delay

An assembly member on his way to a railway conference has criticised Translink after his train was late.

South Antrim MLA Thomas Burns said the 0723 BST service to Londonderry was 20 minutes late at his stop in Antrim on Tuesday.

He was on his way to the launch of a report from a group which hopes to see the rail link extended to Letterkenny.

"The place was freezing and by the time the train showed up I was pretty hungry," he said.

"Of course I couldn't even get a cup of tea on the train and didn't get anything to eat until I arrived in Derry - well over two hours later."

Translink's Ciaran Rogan apologised for the delay, but added it was to facilitate Portadown passengers.

"The 0600BST service from Portadown to Belfast was delayed by around 15 minutes following an incident where cattle on the railway line were struck," he said.

"Some passengers on this train were travelling on the connecting service to Derry departing Belfast at 0650 BST. As good customer service, this train was held to allow the passengers to make the connection, as the next train did not depart until 0841 BST.

"Catering is not supplied on any train service within Northern Ireland - most passengers prefer to use the many cafes and coffee shops now available."