Councillor Edel McSharry is urging people across Sligo, Leitrim and the wider region to make their voices heard in the 2026 Iarnród Éireann timetable consultation and call for an early morning rail service that would allow passengers to reach Sligo in time for a 9am start.
The consultation is now open and provides an important opportunity for the public to put forward their views. While the consultation focuses on a number of proposed changes, Iarnród Éireann has confirmed that feedback is welcome on all routes, including where changes are not currently proposed.
Councillor McSharry said, “This is an important opportunity for Sligo-Leitrim to make our voice heard. I have been lobbying Iarnród Éireann and engaging with the Minister for Transport on the need for an early morning service into Sligo. Now we need the public to add their voice.”
The current timetable does not allow people travelling from Longford, Dromod, Carrick-on-Shannon, Boyle, Ballymote and Collooney to reach Sligo in time for a normal 9am working or college start.
“Sligo is a regional centre for employment, education, healthcare and public services. People should be able to travel into Sligo by public transport without having to drive simply because the train does not arrive early enough. This is particularly important for ATU students and staff travelling along the rail corridor.”
Cllr McSharry said an earlier service would also support the wider regional economy and reduce car dependency.
“If we are serious about encouraging public transport, we need services that actually work for people’s lives. An early morning train into Sligo would open up opportunities for workers and students who currently have little choice but to drive.”
She is now urging people to make an individual submission to the consultation.
“I would encourage everyone who wants to see this service to take a few minutes and make a submission. Tell Iarnród Éireann that there is a need for an early morning service into Sligo and explain why it matters to you.”
“I and others have been lobbying for this service, research has clearly identified the need but we now have a further the opportunity need to demonstrate public demand. If people across Sligo and Leitrim make the same clear request, it gives us a much stronger collective voice.”
The consultation closes on Monday, September 14.
Members of the public are invited to make submissions regarding timetable changes by visiting https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=dB_sJVnGEUCyGWe3KeTsQWwDvGLu949BgAyC9wcrRpBUOE9BMDJGUzNNRENVV1REUDdFRkc3UVUyNC4u&route=shorturl
Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.