Extended bus service is warmly welcomed

Extended bus service is warmly welcomed

13 August 2025

CONFIRMATION an extended bus service will be available in Darragh Cross from next month has been warmly welcomed by parents and local politicians.

Talks to discuss the issue to provide a service for those who attend schools in Downpatrick have been held with the Education Authority and Translink.

The 8am bus that leaves Raffrey for Downpatrick will stop in Darragh Cross at 7.55am.

Rowallane councillor, Terry Andrews, raised parents’ concern with officials from both organisations.

Cllr Andrews said the absence of a dedicated bus service impacted on what schools parents chose to send their children to.

From next month, 18 young people from the Darragh Cross area will be attending Lecale Trinity and Down High schools in Downpatrick with others likely to be educated at Blackwater Integrated School in the town.

Cllr Andrews said both Lecale Trinity and Down High were supportive of the campaign to extend the bus service by two miles to collect children in the village.

“I am pleased the bus service is to be extended to meet the needs of students and thanks to the Education Authority and Translink for their support,” he added.

Fellow Rowallane councillor Callum Bowsie thanked Translink for listening to the wishes of families, principals and councillors. 

He explained it is an inconvenience not having a bus from Darragh Cross, especially as there’s no footpath between Darragh Cross and Raffrey.

“It seemed a simple solution to start the bus journey one mile down the road and I’m pleased Translink has now agreed to this fairly modest request,” he added.

The SDLP’s Strangford representative, Will Polland, has also welcomed the extended bus service to meet students’ needs.

“I’m delighted to see movement made on a dedicated school bus service for families in Darragh Cross. This will bring great relief to parents across the area,” he said.

“I had raised this matter with the Education Authority following representations from local parents and I’m glad they took this issue seriously.”

Mr Polland also thanked Cllr Andrews for his efforts.

“Cllr  Andrews has long championed this issue and supported families in pushing for better transport links,” he said.

“After liaising with Translink, the Education Authority confirmed a review of services was carried out to explore whether a collection from Darragh Cross could be introduced which has resulted in a new timetable which takes effect from the start of the school year.”

Mr Polland added: “This is a solution that will make a real difference for local families. We need to send a message that rural communities deserve fair and accessible public transport.”