TD warns unreliable bus services worsen Letterkenny traffic

Deputy Charles Ward told the Dáil that unreliable bus services are leaving Donegal passengers stranded and increasing traffic congestion in Letterkenny.

Ward highlighted several cases: a wheelchair user in Letterkenny has been unable to use the Route 64 bus for 18 months because wheelchair‑accessible booking is unavailable; a student repeatedly missed a Local Link college connection because the Expressway 64 failed to arrive on time; and a constituent in Drumkeen reported that Route 64 often does not stop in the village, leaving passengers unable to plan journeys.

The TD noted that there is no late‑evening service after 6.30 pm, effectively cutting off people living five miles outside Letterkenny from work, education and social activities unless they rely on a car.

Ward warned that journeys that should take 15‑20 minutes are now taking an hour to an hour and a half, adding to the “traffic chaos” in the town. He called for improved bus and school transport services to reduce car use and urged the government to increase school transport capacity in Drumkeen.

During a debate on public‑transport fare increases, Ward condemned the planned average 15 % rise – up to over 30 % – arguing that Donegal residents cannot afford higher fares for a service that remains poor and unreliable. He also appealed to Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien to introduce a national “No Wait Card” for chronic‑illness patients to access toilet facilities on public transport.

Source: Donegal Daily. Photo: Chengxin Zhao / Pexels.