Bus Services
Dail Éireann — 2026-07-09
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James O'Connor (FF), Cork East

I raise the issue of improving Local Link services in the east Cork constituency. I highlight specifically the need for better public transport. Thousands of people across the constituency are concerned about this problem. I also acknowledge that over 1,200 signatures were collected by our office through Councillor Patrick Mulcahy specifically about ensuring there are more fit-for-purpose Local Link services. East Cork is an area that suffers from significant traffic congestion. We need substantial upgrades to the N25 road infrastructure. We also seek better community bus services, whether delivered through Bus Éireann, PSO or Expressway services, but Local Link also needs the attention of the Government. I am glad the Minster of State, Deputy Collins, as a rural Deputy is here to answer for the Department.
We have proposed a number of routes that will address issues in respect of communities and villages that are yet to be connected to local towns. One issue of concern is that Ballymacoda, Shanagarry, Dungourney, Lisgoold and even Midleton train station, an important end line point for the metropolitan rail service in Cork, have no bus services through Local Link. We want to propose for consideration, through the agencies involved and Government, that funding be put in place to address this critical shortfall. We proposed a number of routes to the NTA and submitted the signatures in respect of this and to Cork County Council's sustainable travel unit.
It must be taken into account that we have had huge population growth in the area and there are large villages that do not have bus services in place through Local Link. I acknowledge how successful Local Link has been in the areas it does service. We hear great reports about people delighted they are able to jump on a bus, go into their local town, do their shopping, spend money in their local community, support local businesses and get back home all within a respectable timeframe. Where the investment has been put in, it has worked. It would be so welcome for it to be acknowledged by Government that we need to see the villages I referenced provided with a proper and fit-for-purpose bus service. There are a number of options available. Funding needs to be put in place. I am eager to hear what the Minister of State has to say.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-07-09/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-09-14T01:01:07+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-07-09