Bus Éireann called on to provide transport for Longford third level students

The provision of a sustainable and reliable public transport for third level students in county Longford is a topic that must be addressed at local authority level, members of Longford County Council were told at their December meeting.

Cllr Paul Ross tabled a motion calling on Bus Éireann to include a daily college bus route from Edgeworthstown to Athlone to assist students who wish to use public transport to college. Cllr Ross said the council should have the provision of transport for third level students included in the Local Transport Plan.

A private bus operator runs a daily bus service from Longford to Athlone during the academic year, but it excludes reading weeks and exam periods.

Cllr Ross said elected representatives have been approached about the matter: “This was an issue that repeatedly came up on the doorsteps while canvassing. There are many students in Ballymahon, and other towns, who have to get a private bus to Athlone.”

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The Fine Gael elected representative said a Bus Éireann service is needed: “There have been talks about it in the transport action plans and establishing local links from Edgeworthstown to Athlone, but it's high time this was put on to help students get to college and back.”

Cllr Mick Cahill (Fianna Fáil) concurred with his FG colleague: “This is a very relevant issue, one that many people have approached us on.”

Cllr Uruemu Adejinmi said the provision of public transport for students needs scrutiny.

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“This is an issue that affects students all across the county," Cllr Adejinmi said. "I think what we need is an early bus leaving the county, allowing students to get to Athlone on time. We also need an earlier train going from Longford to Sligo, the first train leaves just before 9am.

“This is something that should be looked into, particularly with rents so high for young people. If we are serious about reducing our carbon footprint we really need to take a good look at our transport options for students, but also for workers.”