Transport the 'main problem' affecting rent-a-room uptake on Letterkenny outskirts

Donegal County Council will hold a meeting with Local Link representatives with the aim of adding more local bus routes to the outskirts of Letterkenny.

This comes after concerns were raised that a lack of public transport in some areas is having an adverse effect on student accommodation availability.

The meeting with Local Link was suggested by Cllr Donal Coyle of Letterkenny-Milford municipal district. Cllr Coyle said that despite homeowners' willingness to rent out rooms in areas such as Listillion and Trimagh, transport was the “main problem” stopping them.

At the October meeting of Letterkenny-Milford MD, Cllr Coyle said: “The reason I've brought this motion at this particular time is because of the number of calls I've gotten from people on the outskirts of Letterkenny. 

“The call went out from ATU looking for accommodation for students through room to rent. They’re ringing me because the problem is transport.

“There’s so many people who would have rooms to accommodate students. It’s a pity.”

Cllr Coyle said that while these areas are “too far out of town” for students to walk, “a Local Link service would be a big help”.

Cllr Donal ‘Mandy’ Kelly seconded the motion. “It’s a vital link that we’re missing here in Letterkenny,” he said. “We’re in the last quarter of 2025 so this can’t come soon enough.”

Cllr Declan Meehan added that he “fully supported” the motion and asked that the council consider all areas of the municipal district at the meeting.

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The motion was passed and a date of Monday, November 3 was agreed for the meeting with Local Link representatives.