Bus service improvements needed for rural Donegal, says Senator Boyle

Senator Manus Boyle told a Government minister that there were “wee pockets in Donegal that are left behind” by the lack of bus services in the county.

The Fine Gael representative petitioned Minister of State, Jerry Buttimer, from the Departments of Rural and Community Development and Transport, for improved transport services at locations such as Ardara, Glenties, Portnoo, Mouncharles, and Lough Eske. 

Usage levels of rural bus journeys, said Senator Boyle, were at record levels, demonstrating the “essential service that Local Link provides rural communities.”

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Senator Boyle commented: “There would be an immense benefit for Ardara and Portnoo if we could link the Ardara-Glenties-Portnoo service to Donegal Town. It would enhance the travel for people going to Dublin for health reasons, such as hospital visits, or to the airport, if we could get everything channelled through Donegal Town.

“Such a service would provide greater accessibility for the communities, allowing residents to travel conveniently throughout the day.

“The Local Link service has significant benefits for rural communities by improving accessibility, reducing social isolation, and enhancing mobility for residents. These are often a lifeline for areas with limited public transport options, allowing people to access employment, education, healthcare, and essential services. We have a great service there, and we need to enhance it.

“There are wee pockets in Donegal that are left behind. I wish we could get these wee pockets a service. It is going very well, we just need to enhance it.” 

In response, Minister Buttimer, who will visit Donegal in July, said that discussions were happening to “enhance the frequency” of the Bus Éireann route 492, which connects the Ardara to Glenties corridor to Donegal Town. 

He stated: “We are currently in year four of a five-year Connecting Ireland rural mobility plan with further new and enhanced routes planned over the coming years, including ones in County Donegal.

“Further enhancements are planned for the corridors between Glencolmcille and Donegal Town and between An Cloachán Liath (Dungloe) and Donegal Town. Further enhancements are planned for the east Donegal area.”