Carrigy secures overflow bus solution for Longford students

Fine Gael TD for Longford–Westmeath, Micheál Carrigy, has today welcomed confirmation from TFI Local Link Longford–Westmeath that an additional afternoon bus will be provided to address the ongoing capacity issues on the Ballymahon to Longford service.

Deputy Carrigy, who has been working on this issue for some time following concerns raised by parents and students, said:

“I have been engaging with Local Link to find a workable solution. I am pleased that an additional overflow bus will now operate from today (Monday), which will ensure that no student is left behind due to lack of seating.”

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Under the arrangement, an overflow bus will be deployed if the original timetabled service is full. While the vehicle will not be available until approximately 40 minutes after the first departure — 16:40/16:45 Monday–Thursday and 14:05/14:10 on Fridays — it will guarantee that students who cannot be accommodated on the first service will still have safe and reliable transport home.

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Deputy Carrigy added:

“This solution is not perfect, but it is a vital first step to ensure students are not put in unsafe or unfair situations.

Deputy Carrigy thanked Local Link for their cooperation and commitment to providing a solution at short notice.