Bus from Dublin Airport to Belfast targeted by vandals in ‘shameful’ attack

Passengers travelling from Dublin Airport to Belfast were left in shock after a brick was hurled through their bus window.

The incident, which occurred just after 8.30pm on Saturday, June 1, is now under investigation by the South Belfast police who are appealing for witnesses and information. Stevie Haughey, a passenger on the bus at the time, spoke to Belfast Live about the potential impact of such incidents on Ireland’s reputation.

He said: “As the bus approached the Europa slip road off the Westlink, a crowd of young lads were on the road and when the bus approached, they scattered to each side of the slip road. Unfortunately, one individual in the group threw a brick at the bus, shattering the exterior window. Thankfully, no injuries occurred”, reports Belfast Live.

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“This incident has the potential to significantly tarnish Belfast’s image as a safe and welcoming tourist destination, which could have a detrimental effect on the local economy and the livelihoods of many in the tourism industry. I run the travel website Ireland Before You Die, which promotes tourism to the country. This route is a major pathway for tourists visiting the city.

“Some tourists were on the coach, and they looked shocked. Incidents like these do not give visitors a good and true representation of what Belfast is about. Therefore, I believe Translink should ensure the slip road is closed to unauthorised access to prevent similar occurrences in the future.”

The PSNI spokesman said: “It was reported that a group of youths gathered in the area had thrown a stone at the vehicle resulting in a smashed window. Enquiries are ongoing and officers would appeal to anyone who was in the Roden Street / Milner Road area at the time the incident happened to contact us on 101 quoting reference number 1773 of 01/06/24.”

Translink also expressed their disdain for the act, appealing for anyone with useful information. The Translink representative emphasised: “An X2 Goldliner coach window was damaged in Belfast on Saturday evening last. We have zero-tolerance towards anti-social behaviour and all incidents are reported to the PSNI.”

They then concluded: “A reward scheme pays out up to £1,000 to anyone who witnesses and gives evidence of any incident of vandalism that results in a successful conviction.”

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