Early train to Sligo row reignites as councillors say commuters and students still left stranded

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

The long-running issue of an early morning train into Sligo, that would be suitable for workers and students alike was once again discussed at the June monthly meeting of the county council with frustration expressed that the situation remains no closer to being resolved.

In her motion Cllr Edel McSharry asked that the Local Authority, “Write to the Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien, the National Transport Authority and Iarnód Éireann to introduce an early morning westbound rail service on the Dublin-Sligo line, scheduled to arrive in Sligo no later than 8.30 to facilitate student access to ATU and commuter access to employment in Sligo town and surrounding areas.”

The motion called for the feasibility of a morning service originating from Dublin or Longford to be examined with key stops including Longford, Carrick-on-Shannon, Boyle and Ballymote.

Speaking to the motion, Cllr McSharry referred to an ATU research paper which revealed there are 47,000 people living within 5km of a station on the route with 90% of respondents surveyed saying they would avail of a service arriving into Sligo in time for work or college.

“Every day people are travelling to Sligo for work, study and healthcare. The timetable doesn’t align with the realities of modern commuting.

Cllr McSharry added, “If we are serious about balanced regional development we must provide a rail service that allows people to get to work on time. The public support this, there is research support for this.”

The motion was backed by Cllr Gerard Mullaney who insisted, “It is a service that is very badly needed,” adding, “If there was a transport service, people would be more than willing to live in Boyle, Ballymote or Collooney. It would be real positive news for the north-west.”

Supporting the motion Cllr Seamus Kilgannon said there is a, “Serious need,” for an early train service for workers and students alike.

Cllr Dara Mulvey also voiced his support for the motion saying, “It has been falling on deaf ears. It’s a shame people in this part of the world are suffering because they can’t get an early train.”

Cllr Ann Higgins also spoke in favour of the motion saying, “Everybody is behind this for a number of years. My colleague, Senator Nessa Cosgrove, has raised it with the Minister and five times in the Seanad.

“We have to send a strong message, enough is enough.”

Cllr Declan Bree also gave his backing to the motion noting the first motion on the issue was in 2007, and it has been discussed “At least once a year since.”

He continued, “Successive Ministers for Transport have not delivered, unfortunately. Only by continuing to lobby will we see progress.”

Cllr Thomas Healy also spoke in favour saying, “I have been in contact with Irish Rail. They are looking for a technical review.”

Cllr Healy explained, “A passing loop between Sligo and Boyle is needed. It’s down to funding, if they get the funding, they will be able to address it.”

Cllr McSharry thanked her fellow elected representatives for their support saying it is “Great to see cross-party support from all parties and none to get this service.”

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.