Deputy Charles Ward has told the Dáil that people in Donegal are unable to rely on public transport to get them ‘where they need to go, when they need to go’.
The 100% Redress Party TD said the county also has no rail network, meaning there is no alternative to buses.
“Most people are therefore forced to rely on their cars, which contributes to the chronic traffic issues we have in parts of Donegal,” he said.
The Polestar Roundabout, he added, is often gridlocked and emergency services constantly struggle to reach Letterkenny hospital.
“What used to be a five-minute journey now takes 45 minutes, and it is putting lives at risk”.
The 100% Redress Party TD highlighted how the lack of public transport is negatively impacting Donegal’s night time economy and called on the government to extend Local Link services to generate more business for the local hospitality sector in rural areas.
Deputy Ward also stressed the importance of upgrading transport infrastructure to facilitate those who use public transport most, young people, older people and people with disabilities.
“From talking with members of the Irish Wheelchair Association and my constituents recently, it’s clear that people with disabilities find public transport inaccessible and unreliable. We need a public transport system that works for everyone and leaves no one behind.”
Tags:
