Calls to restore Local Link service in west Cavan
PEOPLE in West Cavan have been left “stranded” after Transport for Ireland (TFI) reduced Local Link services in that part of the county with “very little notice”.
Describing the west Cavan service as a “vital link” for people relying on the bus to get to work or school, go shopping or attend a doctor’s appointments, Cllr Damien Brady (SF) asked that Cavan County Council write to TFI requesting that it be restored.
Cllr Áine Smith from Bawnboy said she has received calls on the issue recently.
Both west Cavan representatives spoke on the issue at the September meeting of Cavan County Council.
Cllr Brady also pointed out that, with the Local Link service gone, people couldn’t make connections to other bus services leaving them “cut off”.
He gave the example of a local man who was recovering at home in Corlough after a serious operation.
“His sister would use the Local Link bus to travel to her brother’s home to care for him,” Cllr Brady explained.
The bus route, which started at Daily’s Cross, departed six times daily. It travelled into Ballinamore, Newtowngore, Killeshandra and Ballinagh and then linked up with a Cavan Town bus service.
“Some people used the Local Link to visit friends and relatives who lived in towns along its route,” Cllr Brady said.
“The service has been withdrawn at a time when there is a huge push for people to use public transport and there’s a lot of talk about climate change,” the councillor concluded.
Cllrs Áine Smith (FF) and Brendan Fay (Ind) supported the Sinn Féin motion.
“It’s so important that the people of rural Ireland are not alone,” Cllr Smith remarked, saying the Local Link used to go through Bawnboy and the service was well utilised in her area.
“It’s very important all areas are serviced by Local Link,” she added.
Cllr Fay, meanwhile, criticised the Minister for Transport who “tells us we should use bikes and public transport more”.
Cllr Patricia Walsh (FF) also supported the motion.
“We’re not asking afor a new route,” Cllr Brady stressed. “We just want it back the way it was!”