Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has praised Translink workers for keeping Belfast moving during The Fleadh, thanking staff for sustaining vital bus and rail services as visitor numbers surge.

Visiting Laganside bus centre with newly appointed Translink Chief Executive Gerard Carlin, the Minister met bus and train drivers, control centre teams and frontline colleagues supporting increased passenger flows into the city throughout the week's events.

The Minister said: "Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is proving to be a great success for Belfast with thousands of visitors already arriving in the city in recent days.

"Our public transport workers are playing a vital role in meeting the increased demand. Over the last three days Translink has recorded more than 160,000 additional journeys across their network compared to the equivalent period last year – an uplift of more than 40%.

"From those commuters using the every day services, to visitors from near and far availing of the buses and trains, the city centre accessible loop bus and the late night services, Translink staff have stepped forward to ensure the travelling public can get where they need to go safely.

"I would like to thank all those staff from drivers, to those on the ground providing help and guidance to visitors unfamiliar with the city and to those behind the scenes helping to keep the network running smoothly."

The Minister added: "As we move towards the weekend we anticipate even greater numbers arriving in the city for the final days of competition and entertainment.

"My Department has already been supporting Council with its extensive Traffic Management Plans ahead of the Fleadh and I would like to remind visitors to continue to plan ahead and make use of the public services on offer. "Translink have been deploying extra resources to meet demand and I was pleased that my Department was also able to provide funding for additional late night bus and train services which will operate on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday night helping to get everyone home safely.

"There are also three dedicated Park and Ride sites on the outskirts of the city at Eikon Exhibition Centre (close to the M1), Giant's Park (close to M2) and Belfast Harbour (near the M3) with a frequent shuttle bus service ready to transport you directly to the city centre. All other Park and Ride sites are also continuing to operate for local travel.

"I am also pleased to see many visitors and local people choosing to walk, wheel and cycle as they move between venues, demonstrating how active travel can support healthier, more sustainable and more vibrant communities."

The Minister concluded: "The Fleadh will have a lasting legacy for the city and I want everyone to continue to enjoy it. With the volume of visitors to the city and pedestrianisation of large parts of the centre it is inevitable there will be some minor disruption to traffic and travel from time to time. However I would like to reassure everyone that Translink staff will continue to monitor demand and utilise all available resources to ensure continued safe operations throughout the coming days."

Translink Group Chief Executive Gerard Carlin said: "It's fantastic to see so many people on board our buses and trains and we're looking forward to welcoming many more visitors into the city in the days ahead.

"This is a huge team effort and I'd like to thank all our employees working hard across the network, our partner agencies, volunteers and customers for their support during this major transport operation.

"There's a brilliant transport package in place with all our regular services operating with enhanced capacity and frequency, additional services including late night options and the council Park & Ride.

"We've seen unprecedented demand so far and are anticipating hundreds of thousands of additional passenger journeys across this week as we play a crucial role in delivering the Fleadh. For everyone coming into Belfast in the days ahead, please plan ahead, check our app, website and socials for all the latest travel updates."