Call made in Waterford for 'step-change' in local link funding

A call has been made in Waterford for "step-change" in essential local link funding for rural communities.

Sinn Féin TD, Deputy David Cullinane said such a change was needed, as he raised the concerns of rural communities across the county over delays to funding vital local link services with the Minister for Rural and Community Development.

Deputy Cullinane said rural communities such as Portlaw, Kilmacthomas, Mahon Bridge, Lemybrien and beyond were affected by the delay, and called on the Minister to engage with his colleague, the Minister for Transport, to ensure these services are funded sooner than 2027.

Speaking on the issue in the Dáil on Tuesday, Deputy Cullinane said: “These vital local link services were expected this year under the National Transport Authority’s Connecting Ireland Plan, but communities are now being told they may have to wait until 2027."

“That is a major setback for Waterford, and it is a major setback for rural communities that have waited long enough for proper public transport," he said.

Referencing his colleague on Waterford City & County Council, he said: "My colleague, Councillor Catherine Burke has been very clear on this. She has described the delay as a major setback for Waterford and for the Comeragh District in particular."

"She is right. This is not a minor inconvenience," said Deputy Cullinane.

"This is about whether people can get to work, whether students can get to education, whether older people can remain connected, and whether those without access to a car can attend medical appointments or reach basic services," he added.

Describing Local Link as a lifeline in rural communities, he said public transport for such areas is not simply about convenience.

"It is about equality, independence and inclusion," he said.

"It is about ensuring that people living in villages and rural areas are not cut off because they do not drive, cannot afford a car, or no longer feel able to drive," he added, before commenting: “We cannot speak in this house about balanced regional development, climate action, reducing car dependency and tackling rural isolation, while at the same time allowing essential rural transport projects to slip to 2027."

“Waterford needs these services now," he said.

"The people of Portlaw, Kilmacthomas, Mahon Bridge, Lemybrien and the surrounding areas deserve certainty, not delay," he added.

“I support Cllr Catherine Burke’s call for Waterford City and County Council, and the Comeragh District, to write to the NTA and to the Minister for Transport, but I am also calling directly on the Minister today to engage with the NTA, review this decision, and ensure that funding is brought forward so these Local Link services can be delivered in 2026."

Funded by the Local Democracy Scheme