Cutbacks could halt Sunday trains

A cost-cutting proposal by Northern Ireland Railways could mean the end of train services on Sundays, the BBC understands.

The Department of Regional Development, which funds railways, is seeking extra money to prevent cutbacks amid rising fuel bills and maintenance costs.

If this funding is not provided, one scenario would see Sunday train services being stopped.

A second scenario would also mean no trains running after 2200 on weekdays.

Such stringent cuts might not be enough to make up Northern Ireland Railways' projected short-fall and prevent dramatic fare rises, it is understood.

Translink said there were no plans at the moment to curtail services, but the company said it remained under constant financial pressure and would keep its plans under review.