I am grateful for the opportunity to address a matter of great importance to my community, which is the urgent need for a Local Link service along the N17 corridor from Bellahy to Sligo. The commitment outlined in the programme for Government to increase Local Link services in rural areas to better connect villages, towns and cities underscores the Government recognition of our need for improved connectivity. In addition, the intent to integrate Local Link transport routes with health services shows a holistic approach to solving transport difficulties and increasing access. However, we must turn this commitment into action. Currently, the National Transport Authority highlights that the national primary route is serviced chiefly by Expressway services which stop in larger towns only. The service model falls dramatically short of addressing the transport needs of smaller communities. The sentiments of the local public echo a pressing demand for service along the N17 corridor that meets the needs evident in other parts of the country, such as the route serving Bundoran, extending to Grange and Sligo. These towns enjoy the dual advantage of being served by Bus Éireann and Local Link services, which makes a significant difference to those who rely on public transport. In stark contrast, communities along the N17 face considerable barriers. People who do not drive due to age or health issues or simply a desire to engage in social activity find themselves isolated without viable options to connect with essential services, social engagements and educational opportunities. While Bus Éireann's route No. 66 stops in Tubbercurry, it fails to provide services to the surrounding areas such as Bellaghy, Tullan Strand, Cloonacool, Achonry, Coolaney and Mullanabreena. The absence of Local Link services is keenly felt as the cost of the commercially operated Expressway No. 64 service is not only higher, but also renders essential travel inaccessible for many. It is disheartening to note that residents of the area feel increasingly disadvantaged compared with the neighbouring areas that benefit from more comprehensive transport options. Feedback from the community regarding existing local services such as the Coolaney-Sligo and Ballaghaderreen-Sligo routes indicates that these services are not only well received but are essential for connecting rural communities. This further highlights how the lack of service along the N17 places residents at a disadvantage, making it increasingly difficult to access social, educational and health-related functions in Sligo. The pressing issue of limited student accommodation for students of Atlantic Technological University, ATU, Sligo adds another layer of complexity to the situation. Without reliable transport, students who cannot drive are effectively barred from pursuing their education at this vital institution. This is not merely a transport issue. It is a barrier to access to education and opportunities. It is essential we secure a Local Link service for south Sligo as doing so would result in a more active and engaged community. I stand firm in the belief that such a service would be busier than the existing Castlerea to Sligo service, ensuring residents can travel freely and safely. I propose a new Local Link service that would effectively serve the public from Knock airport to Sligo, incorporating vital stops that will serve those in need, such as at Bellaghy, Curry, Banada, Aclare, Toorlestraun, St. Attracta's secondary school, Tubbercurry, Cloonacool, Lavagh and Ballinacarrow, also attending Sligo. The success of rural link services in other areas is a testament to their efficiency in bridging the gap between rural communities and urban centres. When I raised this issue previously, I was informed that while the NTA had no current plan to provide services from Bellaghy to Sligo town, it would keep my request under review. Its concerns regarding unfair competition and the potential undermining of existing commercial services cannot justify the ongoing neglect of these communities. I cannot accept this position. It is our responsibility to ensure everyone, regardless of geographical location, has access to essential services. The Local Link service along the N17 corridor is not just an enhancement, but a necessity.

Sentiment score: 0.12

I thank the Minister of State. I urge the Department to actively support a Local Link service along the route I outlined. It is essential we engage with the NTA and Local Link to conduct an engagement survey and take any necessary steps to advance this initiative. The current public transport options for students attending ATU Sligo are simply inadequate. Those students are left without a reliable service that would allow them to arrive on time at ATU or St. Angela's College. As it stands, for example, the Expressway route No. 64 from Galway is constantly delayed and can be between 30 minutes and one and a half hours late. This is a fact I can prove. I have the statistics. This means that students who rely on a bus are often unable to get to college on time. Moreover, the evening return journey is no better. Students who finish classes around 4.30 p.m. or 5 p.m. frequently find themselves stranded, waiting for an hour for the late-running return route No. 64 service from Derry. This service often does not arrive in Tubbercurry until 7.30 p.m or 8 p.m., a scenario that is unacceptable for students who have commitments, be they academic ones, part-time jobs or family responsibilities. I have numerous testimonials from students and residents of the area highlighting the struggle they face due to these unreliable bus services. The stories reflect, not only the immediate inconvenience, but also the longer term implications for access to education and opportunities. As my home town is Ballymote, I know that there is a bus from Castlerea to Ballaghaderreen, Gorteen, Ballymote and on to Sligo. There are two large buses that collect people, particularly students, along the route. These students are delivered at the ATU in Sligo and St. Angela's College. It is a fantastic service. The two large buses are full every day on that route. I have no doubt whatsoever that if a similar route was selected and a bus could serve it, many hundreds of students in the area would use it. People cannot get accommodation in Sligo. They cannot afford it and this bus service would give an opportunity, particularly to students, to get in and out to attend their educational facilities.

Sentiment score: 0.04