Sinn Féin has said that the long-overdue Local Link service connecting Portlaw and Kilmacthomas to Dungarvan must be delivered — and that with political will and proper planning, it can be achieved.
Sinn Féin TD Conor D. McGuinness and Councillor Catherine Burke have long campaigned for improved rural transport across the Comeragh area. Together, they are pushing for the formal application and approval of a Local Link route that would connect Portlaw to Dungarvan.
“There is huge frustration in Portlaw and Kilmacthomas that this service still hasn’t been delivered — but there’s also huge energy and determination to get it over the line,” said Deputy McGuinness, who serves as his party’s spokesperson on rural affairs and community development.
“Catherine and I are working together to make this a reality. The support is there, the need is clear — now it has to be backed up with proper planning, a formal application, and Government support.”
Deputy McGuinness warned against political point-scoring, noting that no application for funding has yet been submitted.
“Let’s be honest with people — no application has even been made yet. It’s not enough to issue statements or give the impression a route is secured when the process hasn’t even begun. That kind of spin doesn’t serve the community. What’s needed now is focus, partnership and action.”
Cllr Catherine Burke, Sinn Féin Councillor for the Comeragh Municipal District, reiterated the importance of the route and the urgency of progressing it.
“This service is badly needed,” said Cllr Burke. “Young people in Portlaw and Kilmacthomas need access to apprenticeships, college and training. Older people need to get to appointments. Workers need to be able to commute. A Local Link service to Dungarvan would make a huge difference in people’s lives but it won’t happen unless the formal application is made and backed by Government.”
Deputy McGuinness highlighted the positive impact of Local Link services across rural Ireland, praising the work of drivers, operators and staff. But he also pointed to wider problems in how the system is managed.
“Public transport is essential to keeping rural communities alive. Local Link works — but only when it’s properly resourced and shaped by community input. The current process is too centralised, too slow and too disconnected from the real needs of rural areas.”
He also criticised the Government for failing to match bus stop infrastructure funding with the necessary local authority capacity to deliver projects.
“Funding for bus stops was announced — but councils haven’t been given the staff or resources to develop plans and draw that funding down. That’s not real investment. That’s just optics.”
He concluded:
“We’ll keep working with the community across the Comeragh district to progress this route. People want it. It makes sense. It’s time now for the process to move forward — with proper planning, and with a commitment to delivery.”
Conor D. McGuinness TD 