Calls for dedicated Local Link service between Boyle and Sligo to serve rural communities

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

Calls have been made for consideration to be given to the possibility of establishing a Local Link route that would operate between Boyle and Sligo. In his motion before the recent meeting of the Ballymote-Tubbercurry Municipal District, Cllr Liam Brennan outlined how residents in communities in Ballinafad, Castlebaldwin, Drumfin, Lackagh, Doorly and Collooney are not being serviced as well as other parts of the county.

Cllr Brennan’s motion calls on “Sligo County Council to write to the National Transport Authority (NTA) and Transport for Ireland (TFI/Local Link) to assess and consider the provision of a dedicated Local Link bus service between Boyle and Sligo, via the L3700.”

Highlighting the need for public transport to service these areas Cllr Brennan pointed out that, “Bus Éireann doesn’t come into Castlebaldwin, you are expected to stand on the new N4.”

In his motion Cllr Brennan stated, “While Bus Éireann’s Expressway Route 23 currently connects Boyle with Sligo, it operates primarily on the new N4 as a long-distance commercial service and only stops at Collooney and Castlebaldwin on this section of the route. It does not provide the frequent, accessible, rural connectivity that a local link service would offer, particularly for workers, students and those without private transport.”

Supporting the motion Cllr Gerard Mullaney said, “If you live in Geevagh you have five services into Sligo. If you are coming from Castlebaldwin the bus is nearly always late and it is very expensive. It is an absolute disgrace that Local Link doesn’t operate on national routes. In Geevagh it has grown every year, it is an excellent service.”

Cllr Dara Mulvey also voiced his agreement saying, “Bus Eireann are not dependable on rural transport. Any place Local Link has gone they have been hugely successful. I call on TII (transport Infrastructure Ireland) to meet with us, there are huge areas not being serviced.”

Expressing his frustration Cllr Barry Gallagher said of Bus Eireann, “It’s the same reply all the time, they are only fobbing us off.”

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.