Changes to many Local Link services have led to several people in the Gaeltacht becoming further isolated and without a means to get around.
That's according to Independent Councillor Seamus O'Donnell, who is meeting with stakeholders this week to discuss problems currently being experienced in areas of An Rinn and An Sean Phobal.
Cllr. O'Donnell and other elected members raised the issue at Monday's meeting of the Dungarvan and Lismore District of Waterford City & County Council.
"I know one particular woman that has to walk up nearly a mile and a half for the bus", explained Cllr. O'Donnell. "The bus is not on that route, but she walks up, maybe twice or three times a week. It's very important that we get the bus back up and running again because of people going in for the doctors. There are no doctors in the Gaeltacht area, so it's very important that we keep the bus running at a certain time - for people collecting prescriptions and so on. A lot of them won't be able to travel because of all this."
"I'm suggesting that these buses be put back on the route that they were on", he continued. "Collect who they were collecting. There were at least ten people on one road, including students - that they were collecting. I'm disappointed with the whole set-up. Cllr. Tom Cronin is looking after Ardmore, and I'm looking after the Gaeltacht area. I intend to get the buses back running again."
Cllr. O'Donnell believes the situation isn't good enough.
"We've been left high and dry. The buses used to stop and collect people on the side of the road, but now that's all over and done with. The stops are too far away. People can't be expected to walk two or three miles away to walk to the stop signs."
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