Translink completes approximately 12km of new rural lineside fencing to support farmers and protect livestock
Translink has completed approximately 12km of new lineside stockproof fencing along rural stretches of the railway, delivering important improvements for livestock and passenger safety and helping farmers manage land that borders the rail network.
The work is part of a wider plan to renew fencing across the Northern Ireland Railways network, with more sections due to be renewed over the coming years.
Local farmers say the improvements are already making a difference.
Engineer/Farmer Robert Bristow, whose land runs alongside the track near to Cullybackey, said: “The new fencing has taken out the worry of animals straying onto the track and causing injury or major incident. The Translink team kept me informed as the works progressed, ensuring minimal impact to the daily operations and to coordinate livestock movements in advance. I could not speak highly enough of the professionalism of the on-site team and their quality of workmanship.”
Barry McCusker, Translink’s Planning & Project Manager, said: “The completion of over 12km of renewed fencing, is a significant step in enhancing safety, and resilience along our rural rail corridors. Robust boundary fencing is vital for both Translink and farmers alike, especially at key points in the agricultural cycle - particularly during calving, turnout, and winter housing - and this investment provides greater protection for livestock while reducing the risk of incidents on the network. We remain committed to extending these improvements across further rural areas in the near future.”
The Ulster Farmers’ Union has also welcomed the approach.
UFU deputy president, Glenn Cuddy, said: “We’re pleased to see Translink engaging directly with landowners and investing in stronger, more reliable boundaries which are essential for protecting livestock and farm management. This positive collaboration benefits not only farm businesses but the wider public, improving safety for everyone.”
Translink carries out annual boundary checks and says farmers with questions about the fencing programme or future works can get in touch at translink.co.uk/fencing.
In addition to delivering approximately 12km of upgraded boundary stockproof fencing in agricultural areas, Translink has also completed significant programmes delivering approximately 3km of security fencing across non-agricultural locations to further enhance safety and protect the integrity of the rail network.