More than 100 concerned locals turned out at a public meeting calling for a new Rural Link bus service linking the neighbouring communities of Belleek and Ballyshannon, in Rockfield Community Hall on Thursday night, October 18.

Both communities are only four miles apart and it is hoped that the service would operate on the main road between them and on link roads.

The campaign was launched under the title ‘Link Us Up’, and was hosted by Rockfield Community Co-Op, who are spearheading the campaign backed by business and community groups on both sides of the Border.

The meeting was opened by the Chairman for the night, Terry Hughes, who set out the group's intent to lodge an application with the Rural Link Office to create a new cross-Border route providing a flexible public transport option.

Martin McLaughlin, of Rockfield Community Co-Op, expanded on the group’s plans. He said: “This bus link would be of great benefit to the general area.

“Belleek has lost the Bank of Ireland and St. Mary’s High School, Brollagh about two miles from Belleek has been forced to close despite a great community effort to keep it open. Those have been huge hits to the Belleek community.

“Ballyshannon has seen business closures recently and any positive developments would be much welcomed in the area.

“Older members of the community - many of whom are isolated and unable to get to their nearest town for basic needs such as attending the health centre, banking or even bingo - are also to be served."

The campaign launched a survey earlier in the week and Michelle Gallagher brandished more than 100 filled-in survey sheets already gathered at the post office in Belleek.

Cyril Brennan, also of Rockfield Community Co-Op, provided an analysis of the existing services and outlined the need for greater connectivity and flexibility for local communities and tourists during the summer season.

Barry Sweeney, of Ballyshannon Regeneration, and a former councillor, informed the crowd that a previous attempt to deliver the scheme had reached an advanced stage before the pandemic.

From the floor, Eugene Perry, of Ballyshannon Men’s Shed, outlined the need for even the most basic of necessities such as that "a man could get out for the odd pint and get home again".

Brendan Gallagher highlighted that as of the week of the meeting, there was "only one taxi operating regularly in Ballyshannon due to the other one being on holiday".

The night was brought to a close on a poignant note when one local pensioner shared with the gathering that, due to declining health, he feared he would soon be unable to drive, and did not know how he would be able to get himself and his wife around to cater for basic needs.

A number of local representatives were also in attendance, including councillors from both sides of the Border.

The Sinn Féin TD and party spokesman for Transport, Martin Kenny, pledged his support.

From Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Erne North Sinn Féin Councillor John Feely was in attendance, and reiterated the need for the service.

From Donegal County Council, Councillor Micheal McMahon (Sinn Féin), Councillor Manus Boyle (Fine Gael) and Councillor Michael Naughton (Fianna Fáil) were in attendance.

Others attending included Independent Councillor Marie Casserly, and Independent Councillor James Gilmartin, who added his voice in support on behalf of Marian Harkin TD.

Nessa Cosgrove, Labour candidate in the upcoming General Election, added her support.

The campaign is appealing for people who will use the local Link Service to get their hands on a survey sheet and make their needs known.

Surveys sheets are available from Belleek and Ballyshannon post offices, as well as several local businesses or via the group's Facebook page.