New TFI Local Link services announced for Leitrim

Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan TD has announced enhanced TFI Local Link services for Leitrim. The expanded network, which will commence in July, will see an increase in Regular Rural Services (RRS) from two to six routes operating in Leitrim. These RRS routes include:

• Route 564 Ballinamore/Dromod/Mohill/Carrick-on-Shannon

• Route 572 Ballinamore/Drumshanbo/Keadue/Sligo

• Route 983 Kinlough/Bundoran/Ballyshannon

• Route 566 Dowra/Drumkeeran/Dromahair/Sligo

• Route 567 Drumshanbo/Leitrim/Carrick-on-Shannon

• Route 567A Carrick-on-Shannon/Manorhamilton

The TFI Local Link Regular Rural Bus Services operate on a fixed route between towns and villages and have a scheduled timetable, just like any public transport bus service. These services are designed to maximise connectivity with bus and train connections to facilitate passengers who may need to connect to the national network. Developed in close collaboration with the HSE, the revised network is designed to meet the needs of mainstream public transport users as well as the transport needs of passengers with disabilities, and those accessing (non-emergency) health care services in the county.

Local residents, commuters, students and tourists will all benefit from the increased schedule and Free Travel Pass Holders will be able to use their pass on the services.

Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan TD said:

“This new TFI Local Link services will make it easier to reach workplaces, health and social services and onward transport connections to the national network. It will cover an additional 450,000 kilometres annually and provide much improved services with higher frequencies.”

“As well as connecting communities and making it easier to get around in rural areas, we also look forward to introducing new, cleaner and more accessible vehicles to encourage people to switch from cars to public transport”.

All services will be operated using accessible vehicles, a significant proportion of which are low-floor buses.

Commenting on the announcement, Minister of State for Disability, Anne Rabbitte TD, said:

“This is a very welcome development when it comes to transport links for people with disabilities. The issue of transport is one often raised with me, particularly by those in rural areas, and this is another example of this Government’s commitment to improving accessibility.

“The Local Link is such a popular initiative, so it makes sense to build on a platform we already know works and to do so in such an inclusive manner. Such investment in the transport infrastructure in rural Ireland ensures we are building a decent quality of life for everyone and providing a reliable way of getting around.”

Anne Graham, CEO of the National Transport Authority welcomed the announcement and said:

“This is an exciting, innovative and collaborative project, developing an open and integrated public transport system which is 100% accessible.”

“The process of developing these new services has involved close collaboration with the HSE. These plans will ensure that all the needs of customers, including those who may need to attend or visit HSE facilities in the county, will be accommodated in a way that is fully integrated into the Local Link network in Leitrim.”

“It makes sense to work closely with local partners like the HSE and we think that this model is one that can be applied in other parts of the country too. As funding becomes available to the NTA in the coming years, we would hope to be in a position to provide levels of service similar to this, in other counties too.”

“The revised and enhanced TFI Local Link network for Leitrim will increase connectivity for towns and villages across Leitrim and improve integration with other public transport services on the national network.”

“TFI Local Link has already been a success story throughout the country, and it is great to see further growth and improvements to the services available to customers.”

The new service will commence implementation from July with further information and timetables available on www.nationaltransport.ie in the coming weeks.

ENDS