I support the community of Strade in County Mayo who are campaigning to have a bus route returned that is a vital link for their whole community. The 52 bus route connects Ballina and Galway. It always connected into Strade where two new bus stops were recently built. Unfortunately, however, Bus Éireann ceased the bus route, much to the dismay of everyone, including me. Thankfully, a public service obligation kicked in and Citylink took over the route. Sadly, the village of Strade was left out of this important route. The village of Strade is a rural area and this bus was a vital link to connect people from the village into Foxford, Ballina, Castlebar and onwards to Galway for education, work and medical appointments. To have the route stopped has been a devastating blow.

I reiterate my call to Citylink to include Strade on the route. I ask the National Transport Authority, NTA, to intervene. I have raised the issue on numerous occasions and continually campaign for the community. I ask for the support of this House to see the route reintroduced because we need to have supports for public transport. We need public service obligations and this is a perfect example of it. I ask for support. I acknowledge Councillors Neil Cruise and Donna Sheridan who have raised the matter with me and asked me to continually campaign for it. We will not let up until the route is returned. I also acknowledge the local community, including Jimmy Mulroy, who has led a petition to reflect the demands of the people of Strade.

I congratulate Senators Ahearn and Cathal Byrne on their appointments as Leader and Whip, respectively. They are brilliant achievements and I am delighted for them both. Like Senator Boyhan said, I hope, and have no doubt, that they will work across the House in a constructive way on behalf of us all.