Public Transport
Dail Éireann — 2025-10-14
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Eamon Scanlon (FF), Sligo-Leitrim

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 Bellaghy 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.

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Source: Houses of the Oireachtas. Licensed under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). The Official Report is revised after first publication; the fetch timestamp below identifies the version quoted.

Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2025-10-14/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-09-21T01:01:04+00:00
Sitting date: 2025-10-14