09/07/2026
**🚨 South Sligo deserves better — and we’re saying it loud. 🚨**
We are deeply disappointed by the latest response from the National Transport Authority (NTA) on our proposed Local Link service for Charlestown – Tubbercurry – Sligo. After months of work, detailed evidence, and a full business case prepared by local groups, employers, and public representatives, the NTA has once again refused to progress this essential commuter service.
Their reasoning simply does not match the reality on the ground.
# # # **đź“Ś Key Facts the NTA cannot ignore:**
**🚌 Existing buses are NOT commuter services**
Long‑distance Expressway and Feda routes are *frequently full*, *delayed*, and *unsuitable* for students, workers, patients, and families.
**💶 €22.50 vs €3.90 — the cost gap is outrageous**
A return trip from Tubbercurry to Sligo costs **€22.50**, while equivalent Local Link journeys elsewhere cost **€3.90**.
**🎓 175 ATU students**
Students from Tubbercurry and surrounding villages have *no viable public transport option*.
**🏠Employers cannot recruit**
Local businesses cannot attract staff from Sligo because there is **no reliable transport**.
**đźš« South Sligo is the ONLY major town in the region with no commuter bus or rail link**
Tubbercurry is the second largest town in County Sligo — yet smaller towns have better services.
**đź“Ť Local Link already operates alongside Expressway routes in Mayo, Donegal, Leitrim, Cavan, Monaghan**
So why is “unfair competition” suddenly an issue *only* in South Sligo?
# # **âť— Enough is enough âť—**
South Sligo is being left behind.
Not by accident — by decision.
We’ve shown the evidence.
We’ve shown the need.
We’ve shown the community support.
We’ve shown the economic impact.
We’ve shown the student numbers, the employer letters, the cost comparisons, the map with a **gaping hole** where South Sligo should be served.
And still — **we’re told no.**
So we’re asking the question loudly:
# # # **âť“ Why is South Sligo being treated differently?**
Why are our students forced to drive?
Why are our workers stranded?
Why are our older residents isolated?
Why are our employers blocked from growing?
Why is our community expected to accept less than every other region?
This is not equality.
This is not balanced regional development.
This is not acceptable.
# # **📣 South Sligo — let’s make this impossible to ignore**
If you believe our community deserves fair, affordable, reliable public transport:
👉 **Like this post**
👉 **Share it everywhere**
👉 **Tag friends, neighbours, and local representatives**
👉 **Comment with your own experiences**
👉 **Make noise — because silence is exactly what keeps us overlooked**
South Sligo has waited long enough.
Let’s make sure this message is heard.
Cllr Barry Gallagher
Eamon Scanlon
Frank Feighan TD
Marian Harkin
Cllr Paul Taylor
Dara Calleary TD
Alan Dillon TD
Midwest Radio
Ocean FM Ireland
