Bellaghy to Sligo Local Link
Deputy Scanlon sought a new Local Link service on the N17 corridor to connect rural communities more effectively. The Tánaiste said he would ask the Transport Minister and the NTA to consider the gap in provision.
The programme for Government contains a commitment to increase Local Link services in rural areas to better connect villages, towns and cities and that this Government will work to integrate Local Link routes with health services to improve access and will provide extra funding for the improvement of the transport network. We urgently need a Local Link service along the N17 corridor from Bellaghy to Sligo town. Transport for Ireland, TFI, indicates the national primary route is serviced by Expressway services but these buses only stop in large towns. This creates a significant barrier for individuals who do not drive, including those who may have ceased driving due to age or health issues, as well as those who simply wish to travel for social activities.
The Bus Éireann route 64 service stops in Tobercurry but that is no good for the people who live in Bellaghy, Trawalua Strand, Cloonacool, Achonry, Coolaney and Mullanabreena, which are all rural towns. Additionally, the cost of the commercially operated Expressway route 64 service is significantly higher when compared with Local Link routes.
It is worth noting the positive feedback regarding the Coolaney to Sligo via Ballaghaderreen Local Link services, and particularly the Castlerea to Sligo service. Furthermore, the shortage of student accommodation at Atlantic Technological University, ATU, adds another layer to this issue but with reliable transport, people can travel from their local villages to college.
Comment on this
I thank Deputy Scanlon for raising this important issue for his constituents, particularly those who travel from Bellaghy to Sligo town and are affected by the deficit he has identified in public transport provision there. I am very proud of the work we have done together over the last number of years to expand the Local Link services. It was one of the great success stories of the last Government from a public transport point of view. On foot of the Deputy raising this today, I will ask both the Minister for Transport, Deputy O'Brien, and the NTA to consider the point he is making to see how the issue can be best addressed.