I seek the support of the members in calling on Iarnród Eireann & the NTA to examine the possibility of providing a morning and evening commuter train service Monday to Friday, between Longford & Sligo to cater for the large number of people who work, attend college, hospital appointments etc. on a daily basis. There is a demand for such a service and I feel that it would be extensively used and would be welcomed by the communities who live along or close to the Sligo - Dublin Line.

Moving the motion Cllr. Moylan stated that Sligo is a significant town for the north of the county and the wider region. People using Sligo University Hospital, as well as people studying and working in Sligo need adequate public transport to serve the area.  Cllr. Moylan advised he is raising the motion, along with Cllr. Magown who is raising the motion in Leitrim County Council, and Councillors in two other local authorities in the region are raising the motion.

He emphasised that the lack of accommodation in principal towns also reinforces the need to public transport to serve these areas, which should take the pressure off housing requirements.

The Cathaoirleach supported the motion.

Members made the following points in support of the motion:

• Sligo is a growing town with essential services for the region.  There needs to be transport services to support that.
• The local link in the region serving Sligo is very busy, proving the need for further services.
• Local link services can also be aligned with train times to give wider connections in the region as required.
• Extension of services would also support remote workers on their occasional travel to place of work, which may ease accommodation pressures.
• A lot of Iarnród Eireann services in the west of the country are being cut, and this needs to be halted.
• The provision of adequate rail services and other public transport would take the pressure of Dublin, reduce the number of cars on the road, and help support climate objectives. 
• The All-Ireland railway review had this line included in its report.
• The current times and frequencies of lines do not give enough options to the public.
• Improving the services would make the roads safer. 
• As the National Planning Framework is being discussed in this government term, it is timely to make this representation on this matter now.
• It was suggested that a letter is also issued to the minister for Transport on this matter.
• The government need to invest in public transport throughout rural Ireland, across rail, buts and local link.

Cllr. Moylan thanked the members for their support, and added that he will be seeking a meeting with the minister on this matter also.

It was PROPOSED by Cllr. Moylan
SECONDED by Cllr. Fitzmaurice

And AGREED to write to Iarnród Eireann & the NTA to examine the possibility of providing a morning and evening commuter train service Monday to Friday, between Longford & Sligo to cater for the large number of people who work, attend college, hospital appointments etc. on a daily basis. There is a demand for such a service and I feel that it would be extensively used and would be welcomed by the communities who live along or close to the Sligo - Dublin Line.

It was PROPOSED by Cllr. Keogh

SECONDED by Cllr. Moylan

And AGREED to issue correspondence to the Minister for Transport on this matter, including that it needs considered in the National Development Plan, noting that rail infrastructure requires significant improvements in the region and there is a need to consider dual lines to give adequate service to the region.