Goleen to Cork bus link
Deputy Collins warns that Bus Éireann may stop the only direct morning service from Goleen to Cork, despite new Local Link services. The Minister says she does not know the route but will raise it with the transport Minister.
Bus Éireann provides a once-daily service in west Cork from Goleen to Cork city. It leaves Goleen village at approximately 7.50 a.m and returns in the evening at 7 o'clock. Recently, Local Link Cork started a new three times daily in and out service in the Goleen area to Skibbereen, which is more than welcome. The only problem is doubts have now started to emerge that Bus Éireann will stop the Goleen to Cork morning link. As I said, it is the only direct link to Cork. This is at a time when we are all strongly advised to use public transport. It is terribly unfair that a service is provided - I do not think this ever happens anywhere else in the country but it seems to happen in rural Ireland - and then another service is taken away. That is not good enough. This service is a vital link for people. I respect that I have not told the Minister about this question, but I ask her to work with us to make sure that the direct Bus Éireann service from Goleen to Cork will stay. She might contact the Minister for Transport on that issue.
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I also acknowledge the fantastic work of Local Link and the vital role it plays in our rural communities in particular. Unfortunately, I do not know the route the Deputy referenced but I will certainly raise this with the Minister for Transport and ask him to come back directly to him.