Sinn Féin local election candidate for the Athenry-Oranmore LEA, Louis O’Hara, has said that there is a pressing need for a local transport service to connect rural areas around Athenry to the town. O’Hara said that local residents are crying out for such a service and that it would help to combat rural isolation in the local community.
Mr O’Hara said there is a pressing need for a local transport service to connect rural areas around Athenry to the town.
“There is a large rural hinterland around Athenry but there are little or no transport services in these areas and only one local link service for Athenry, the Athenry-Loughrea route.
“Large areas like Newcastle, Monivea, Derrydonnell and many other surrounding villages and townlands have no link to Athenry town. Taxi services are limited and expensive and many people are left stranded in their homes. Local residents in these areas are crying out for local transport services,” he said.
“Providing a service to connect these areas to the town would be hugely important for elderly and young people and those who don’t drive. It would help to combat rural isolation in our communities by enabling people to make their way into the town easily, where they can socialise, access services and access public transport to other towns and cities.
“If elected I will work to progress this much needed service for Athenry with the transport authorities,” he said.
