Hope for patients in Sligo-Leitrim area as new cancer bus securing nears completion

The process of securing a new Sligo-to-Galway bus for cancer patients is still ongoing, with the acquisition of a vehicle equipped with toilet and wheelchair access now close to completion.

The bus provides a vital service for people travelling for cancer treatment from across Leitrim, Sligo, Donegal, and Roscommon.

The new bus is expected to be finalised within the next month, with plans to operate five days a week.

The current bus, which is catering to patients in the meantime, does not have toilet facilities or wheelchair access. 

The previous vehicle reached the end of its life several months ago, leaving users with no choice but to ask the driver to stop for toilet breaks along the route.

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Despite its limitations, the existing bus will remain in service until the replacement arrives, ensuring patients are not left without transport.

Sligo councillor Marie Casserly welcomed the long-awaited development at the Regional Health Forum, saying, “This is finally some positive news for all those who have campaigned tirelessly for this vital service. The new fully accessible bus will make the journey to Galway for cancer treatment safer and more comfortable for everyone who depends on it.”

The matter was also raised in the Dáil by Sligo-Leitrim TD Frank Feighan, who criticised the delays.

“What has happened in the last nine months has been nothing but passing the book from one Department to another when there’s loads of money in this country, and these patients deserve the best possible service in their time of need,” Deputy Feighan said, addressing Minister of State for Mental Health Mary Butler TD.

He added that patients are currently relying on a bus that is “substandard,” and warned that a meeting with all stakeholders will be necessary if the issue is not resolved in the coming weeks. “The patients that need this absolutely vital service are going without it,” said Deputy Feighan.

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