Local Link suspending evening service to redeploy resources

The rural transport service Local Link is suspending evening service in order to provide support services for vulnerable people in isolated situations.

 

Local Link announced that the Cavan Monaghan evening services on Door to Door routes (DRT) are suspended, effective immediately. In a statement the transport provider say the resources are to be redeployed, where practical, to the delivery of community support services.

 

Hailed as a vital tool in tackling rural isolation Local Link provides people in rural areas without transport the means to access services. In their statement on the discontinuation of the service Local Link say resources will instead be deployed for passengers who need medical and food supplies within rural areas, in particular the elderly, the vulnerable, and the sick.

 

In line with the announcement by government on Thursday March 12, the National Transport Authority (NTA) confirms that public transport services, including Local Links, will continue to run, with regular updates.

“Local Link is working with local authorities, agencies, community and volunteer groups, the GAA, and An Garda Síochána to ensure that vulnerable members of the community can avail of a trusted and coordinated support services over the coming weeks and months, providing additional trips where possible for essential travel to purchase provisions and making contact with passengers who are not travelling but may require assistance,” the statement reads.

 

Local Link is offering a collect and deliver service, where possible, from pharmacies and local shops for passengers, delivering critical medical supplies to the elderly, the vulnerable and sick within rural areas. Those in need of such support should contact their Local Link provider directly.

 

Cavan Monaghan Local Link said: “The COVID-19 situation continues to evolve in Ireland, and Local Link is aware that this uncertain period is concerning to many throughout the country. Local Link is following all guidelines as issued by the NTA and continues to follow all public health guidelines issued by the Chief Medical Officer and the HSE.”

 

Margaret Malone, the Rural Transport Programme Manager with Local Link, said: “We would like to thank everybody working to keep Local Link operating, and we ask our passengers in Cavan and Monaghan to work together as we try to reduce the spread of COVID-19.”

 

The NTA and public transport operators continue to follow all public health guidelines issued by the Chief Medical Officer and the HSE. As always, please continue to be practice social and physical distancing when using public transport and regular hand-washing and remember to cough/sneeze into your elbow.