Calls for improved public transport in Longford to connect rural areas

Many communities in county Longford desperately need better public services to boost businesses and the local economy, according to Councillor David Cassidy who raised the issue at last week's Granard Municipal District meeting.

The Fianna Fáil representative brought forward a motion for Longford County Council to write to Transport for Ireland (TFI) Local link for Longford and the National Transport Authority (NTA) to request an 11pm service to operate on Fridays and Saturdays on Route 975 Longford-Arvagh.

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Cllr Cassidy also proposed an additional request to increase the six day service to also include a Sunday for seven day service on all routes within county Longford.

He said that local people of north Longford, Ballinamuck, Drumlish and Dromard have been saying how they do not have equal access to transport.

“We’re not serviced in our end of the county,” he stated when asked about the transport’s current condition.

“A lot of people want to go to a restaurant and they can get on the bus out. It’s very affordable for them. It boosts the economy of the town. There’s a good catchment area on that route.

People can visit local cafes, bars and get back out safely to their home.”

Cllr Cassidy said he would like to see the service expanded from a six day service to a seven day service. “If the government is encouraging people to do less driving, they need to improve transport to the rural areas.