Calls for Caltragh bus stop to be reinstated at previous location

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

An ammended motion before the November meeting of the Borough District of Sligo has called for a letter to be written seeking a meeting with the National transport Authority (NTA) with local representatives calling for the reinstatement of a bus stop at Centra, Caltragh.

Outlining his motion Cllr Fergal Nealon said he was told the majority of residents live within 800 metre of the current stop. However, Cllr Nealon is of the opinion those measurements are incorrect saying when sticking to the footpaths the distance increases up to 1.2km.

"I propose putting the bus stop back where it was. It is massively needed. It brings 500 houses into a reasonable 250m distance from the bus stop.”

Agreeing with the sentiments of Cllr Nealon’s motion, Cllr Arthur Gibbons said, “The people who are making these decisions in an office were never in Sligo in their lives. It’s supposed to be a public service but it’s not for those not lucky enough to live near a bus stop.

"We’re not living in Spain, with a lot of good weather.”

Cllr Tom MacSharry also gave his backing for the motion saying, “There was a bus service that stopped there. With increased development I can’t understand why the NTA won’t consider it. I ask that they meet the Councillors and they do it sooner rather than later.”

Cllr Ann Higgins also voiced her agreement saying, “I support everything said. Wouldn't it be great to have a representative and say to them ‘you walk up that hill pushing a buggy.”

Cllr Declan Bree noted that Councillors had previously met with the NTA saying, “They were very co-operative. They delivered on the S3 route. I believe another meeting would be beneficial.”

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.