Letter: As long as the Boyne bridge remains, we will try to save it from demolition
A letter from Billy Dickson:
The Transport Hub Alternatives Group (THAG) have asked in an email to MLAs who would possibly support the retention of the Boyne Bridge near the Sandy Row to organise a meeting to discuss at this late stage, how the 1936 Boyne Bridge can be saved amid the new station.
The following are the main points contained in the email:
I would ask you to watch a video on the Boyne Bridge Defenders Facebook page (to visit the Facebook page, click here). BBD is associated with a number of other groups and individuals under the name of the Transport Hub Alternatives Group (THAG). For 7 years THAG has campaigned for alternatives to the Transport Hub Plans, especially to retain the 1936 Boyne Bridge which incorporates the 1642 Great Bridge, later to be known as the Salt Water Bridge and finally for 160 years, the Boyne Bridge.
THAG have tried unsuccessfully to get a review into the plans for the Boyne Bridge. A four page pamphlet entitled ‘Vital information for bus and train users’ was delivered to all MLAs earlier this year. It outlined the serious public safety consequences that would result in demolishing the Boyne Bridge and replacing it with a Toucan Crossing.
It was the general conception that the bridge had to go before the hub could be opened, but with the opening on Sunday, 8th September 2024, this proved not to be the case.
We (THAG) have been refused a meeting with the current Infrastructure Committee to discuss our request for a review into the plans for the Boyne Bridge, but with the opening of the new station and the bridge still remaining, it is an opportunity for MLAs to look at the issues again which were contained in the pamphlet which all MLAs received.
What now! As long as the bridge remains, we will fight on. Of course we are depending on our MLAs for support. THAG would value the opportunity to meet as many MLAs as possible to discuss what can be done at this late stage to address the Boyne Bridge issues.
It is possibly our final appeal for MLAs to arrange a meeting between THAG and MLAs at Stormont. If this can be arranged then officials from Translink should also be invited. There are also important historical issues that would need to be discussed as well.
Billy Dickson BEM, South Belfast