Translink says Downpatrick strike work claim images 'at least five years old'

Translink has confirmed no "freelance" work was carried out at one of its depots during last Thursday's mass strike action.

Images had been sent to UTV purporting to show work on a tractor at the public transport operator's Downpatrick depot. It was claimed "freelance" work was carried out during the strike.

Responding to the images, Translink said it was "currently investigating the use of their Downpatrick depot for engineering purposes outside of their normal use”.

In an update on Monday afternoon (January 22), a spokesperson said they now believed the images to be at least "five years old" saying they had definitely not been taken on Thursday, during the walk out.

"They are definitely not recent," she added.

Earlier, a Translink statement added: “We can confirm staff from Unite, GMB, and SIPTU trade unions took part in industrial action on Thursday 18 January.

“As a result there were no bus or train services operating for passengers. 

“Staff not involved in the industrial dispute, did attend work to carry out their normal duties. 

“All Translink engineering facilities are solely used for the maintenance and repair of Translink property. 

“There were no Health and Safety concerns raised at  Downpatrick engineering depot on Thursday during the mass public sector strike action and there have been no issues raised by our Trade Unions."

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