TFI criticised for lack of positive response to Calry’s community-led transport proposal

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

There have been renewed calls for Transport for Ireland and Local Link to engage constructively with a community-led proposal in the Calry and Newtownmanor areas aimed at improving rural transport connectivity for residents in Calry and surrounding areas.

Speaking following the submission of her motion to Sligo County Council this week, Cllr Edel McSharry said the issue remains a priority for local residents who have worked extensively to develop a practical and cost-neutral solution to improve access to public transport.

“My motion sought an update from TFI Local Link Donegal Sligo Leitrim regarding proposals emerging from the Calry community working group. Since submitting the motion, it has become clear that the group has further refined its proposal and identified what they believe is an even more workable and efficient solution,” said Cllr McSharry.

The revised proposal seeks a re-routing of the existing 563 Local Link service through Calry village by utilising the L3409 and R278 corridor. Community representatives argue that this could be achieved without additional cost, without negatively impacting timetables, and while actually reducing the overall route distance travelled.

Cllr McSharry said the proposal is based on detailed local analysis and evidence gathered by the community itself.

“The group has carried out substantial work examining passenger usage and existing services to ATU St. Angela’s and the wider area. Their analysis suggests that there are already multiple transport services operating daily to the college campus and surrounding educational facilities.”

Evidence gathered by the community indicates that ATU St. Angela’s already benefits from extensive transport coverage through the existing 981, 572 and 977 services, which operate daily across extended hours and throughout the year. In that context, residents believe the continued routing of the 563 service into an already well-served corridor represents duplication rather than necessity. The proposed rerouting through Calry village would therefore provide a practical and balanced solution that improves rural accessibility without disadvantaging students or requiring additional public expenditure.

Good public transport policy must be based not only on systems and structures, but on actual community need. This proposal deserves serious consideration

Cllr McSharry expressed disappointment that the proposal has not yet received a positive response from TFI despite what she described as a “practical and evidence-informed approach”.

“This is exactly the kind of community-led, common-sense initiative we should be encouraging. Rural communities are not asking for major new infrastructure or excessive expenditure. They are asking for flexibility, responsiveness and fair access to public transport.”

She confirmed that local residents have now arranged a meeting involving local councillors and Oireachtas members to examine how the proposal can be progressed further at both regional and national level.

“I fully support continued engagement on this issue and I welcome the fact that local TDs and public representatives are involved. We need stronger national direction to ensure transport planning reflects the realities of rural life and supports communities that are trying to develop workable solutions themselves.”

“Good public transport policy must be based not only on systems and structures, but on actual community need. This proposal deserves serious consideration.”

Cllr McSharry said she intends to keep the issue firmly on the agenda within Sligo County Council and through ongoing engagement with government representatives and transport authorities.

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.