‘Lost town’ for transport

Ballyjamesduff is being described as a “lost town” as far as public transport is concerned, writes Gemma Good.

That’s the view expressed by Cllr Trevor Smith who highlighted transport issues in the town at the July Municipal District meeting for the area.

The Fine Gael man is demanding a Local Link service for Ballyjamesduff, which he said has “yet to start”.

Cllr Winston Bennett (FG) added to the motion, requesting a bus stop and shelter at Killydoon; while Cllr Noel Connell (SF) agreed, saying “people are crying out” for the service.

Cllr Shane P. O’Reilly called for an additional service from Mullagh to Whitegate, where people could then link in with the 109X service from Cavan to Dublin.

He also highlighted a related issue in terms of securing contractors or drivers to deliver such local bus services.

The Mullagh representative said it was “ridiculous” that those over 70 years cannot drive for the service, an issue he said was raised previously by former Fine Gael councillor Peter McVitty.

He said he is aware of “amazing professional drivers” who are over the age of 70 and called upon the council and the Department of Transport to increase the legal age to drive a Local Link bus to 75 years.

Cllr Smith agreed, adding that he is aware of a private bus service in the locality “who couldn’t bring them [students] to school but could bring them to swimming” later that day.

Cllr Bennett also called for additional stops along the Ballyjamesduff to Cavan route, when it is established, and acknowledged that the Local Link “is a good service.”

Fianna Fáil’s Philip Brady asked why a school bus can make an “unofficial stop” but the Local Link can’t. He felt it would make the service more accessible and convenient for passengers if they could be dropped closer to their destinations rather than walking back.

Area Engineer, John McGahern, said he had been in contact with TFI Local Link Cavan Monaghan Manager. In respect of Ballyjamesduff, he said that the “tender process is open and will conclude in the coming weeks, depending on contractors”.

Cllr Smith replied “that’s as good as we’re going to get”.