·        Presentation by Local Link

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Callaghan welcomed representatives from Local Link: Damien O’Neill, Manager, TFI Local Link Longford Westmeath Roscommon; Joe Greally, Manager, TFI Local Link Galway; and John Carr, Transport Co?ordinator, TFI Local Link Donegal Sligo Leitrim. He noted his role as Roscommon County Council’s representative on the Local Link Board and acknowledged the success of the service and the strong demand for expanded provision.

Damien O’Neill thanked Members for the invitation and delivered a presentation outlining the operation of TFI Local Link services. He highlighted the following:

• TFI Local Link provides rural public transport funded under the Public Service Obligation and managed by the National Transport Authority.
• Services are delivered locally through 15 Transport Co?ordination Units.
• Key benefits include improved access to health, education and employment, enhanced social inclusion, economic support through rural connectivity, and reduced reliance on private cars.
• Service types include Regular Rural Services (RRS), Door?to?Door (DRT), and Community Car Schemes.
• RRS operate on fixed routes with scheduled timetables and accept cash, Leap Card, Free Travel and the TFI Go app.
• DRT services are pre?booked, demand?responsive, offer home pick?ups where possible, and use accessible vehicles.
• Passenger usage nationally exceeded 100,000 weekly journeys in late 2024 and now exceeds 130,000 weekly, with 6.97 million journeys recorded in 2025.
• Roscommon is well served with four RRS routes (426, 570, 571, 1794) and 39 DRT routes.
• 2025 Roscommon passenger numbers: RRS 74,099; DRT 37,832.
• Local Link Galway and Local Link Donegal–Sligo–Leitrim also operate services into Roscommon, including RRS 546, 567, 572 and 977.
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Members thanked Mr. O’Neill for the detailed presentation, commended the work being carried out, and raised the following matters:

• The need for expanded services in South Roscommon, given population growth and proximity to the university.
• Whether a link from Athlone Train Station to the university could be considered.
• The need for additional and improved bus shelters countywide.
• Clarification on any catchment radius for DRT services.
• Concerns regarding the withdrawal of a community car scheme in South Roscommon and whether it could be reinstated.
• Increased reliance on Local Link as village services diminish.
• Queries regarding previous correspondence from communities seeking meetings.
• A request for an additional service at Killina NS.
• Calls for increased funding to support service expansion.
• Appreciation for Local Link’s social media communication.
• Queries regarding the relocation of Boyle Post Office and potential service adjustments.
• Suggestions to use idle school buses during holiday periods.
• The importance of Local Link for local economy, tourism and social life, and concerns about difficulties accessing taxis.
• Queries on evening service times and punctuality at Carrick-on-Shannon Train Station.
• Support for expanding the community car scheme.
• Clarification on responsibility for bus shelter design, installation and costs, and requests for increased signage.
• Calls for more evening/night?time services.
• The importance of designing housing estates to facilitate bus access.
• Compliments on the level of service delivered despite limited funding.
• Observations on environmental benefits and affordability.
• Reference to the success of the late?night service from Lanesboro to Roscommon.
• A suggestion to trial services for major events such as the Night & Day Festival.
• Requests to include Ballintubber and Ballymoe on the Castlerea–Ballinasloe route.
• A proposal for a localised town service for Roscommon Town.

The representatives from TFI Local Link responded as follows:

• No provision exists for new or additional services this year due to current funding restrictions.
• Members were encouraged to advocate for increased funding.
• The Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan outlines the service framework and is largely being implemented.
• DRT services have no eligibility criteria and can be booked directly with the office.
• Engagement continues with neighbouring areas to enhance service links.
• Additional services cannot duplicate existing provision, limiting potential links from Athlone Train Station to the university.
• Bus shelters remain a priority but are dependent on funding; safety of bus stops is the first requirement.
• Continuation of community car scheme funding remains uncertain.
• Expansion in South Roscommon would require additional resources.
• Community requests can be submitted by email but proposals should be realistic.
• Killina NS is under consideration but not guaranteed.
• Variability in train punctuality may affect connection timing.
• RRS services cannot enter car parks, although DRT services can.
• The Boyle Post Office relocation is being reviewed.
• The National annual budget is approximately €20–25 million, funded by the NTA.
• School buses cannot be used due to accessibility and operational requirements.
• There is a national shortage of bus drivers; ETBs are delivering training, Local Link does not directly employ drivers.
• Operational constraints require mandatory breaks and downtime for buses and drivers.
• The National Journey Planner can assist customers in planning integrated journeys.
• All services are planned centrally to maintain network balance, and even minor route adjustments can affect users elsewhere.

Cathaoirleach Cllr. Callaghan thanked the representatives for their presentation and acknowledged the value of the services provided.