Richard O'Donoghue (Limerick County, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Transport for Ireland, TFI, has set up Local Link services as a link to national bus services. Lack of housing and student accommodation is forcing many of our young people to stay at home rather than renting, and this is resulting in a huge demand for bus links among those going to work and universities and colleges. I was delighted that Bus Éireann this morning announced six new routes for Limerick. These will run from Galbally, Hospital, Knocklong, Herbertstown and Caherconlish to Limerick city. I am currently seeking the provision of an extra bus service for Bruff, as we have a centre for Ukrainians there. The bus services are being put under great pressure in the mornings as people are travelling to work, education institutes and social appointments. The knock-on impact is that the bus is full when it leaves Bruff and this means people waiting at other stops, such as at Grange and Ballyneety, cannot use the service. The Local Link service running from Glin to Athea, Carrigkerry and Ballingarry is also welcome, as is the link with the national bus service in Croom.

Many parents of third level students are commuting up to 150 km daily to get their children to classes. The colleges must also address the issue here because they should put on a park-and-ride service to ensure these students can get to their institutions and get there on time. I refer as well to public transport in the context of outreach clinics set up around the country, such as by the HSE and Headway Ireland. Service users, including the blind and the elderly, need to get to their appointments in clinics, but many cannot because they have no alternative transport. Equally, the current rental market also means that bus services are extremely important. We can see how Local Link servicers and the private bus providers have been carrying this burden for many years. Now, I ask that the bus services be put in place.

See this speech in context