Cllr Michael Clarke: Travel ordeal for cancer patients in northwest is 'horrifying'

Michael Clarke is Independent Ireland’s candidate for this Friday’s general election for the Sligo, Leitrim and South Donegal. constituency. 

Cllr Clarke has 15 years of experience as a Sligo County Councillor including a term as Cathaoirleach. 

“After canvassing South Donegal, it is abundantly clear to me that this part of Donegal has been treated the same way as the rest of Sligo-Leitrim constituency; that change is needed in Government and a wrong - unjustly low capital funding in the northwest for years now - must be righted,” he said.

“I am acutely aware of the impact of the removal of life-saving cancer services from Sligo University Hospital and the impact it has had on the patients themselves and their loved ones, and the unnecessary additional stress and burden caused by the longer journey to Galway. Of course, this is even more exasperating for patients travelling from South Donegal, especially for those getting on the bus from Malin Head (over 600km round trip). 

“To add insult to injury, the main Sligo to Galway road, the N17, is really dangerous and not at all fit-for-purpose. If elected, the upgrade of the N17 would be my main infrastructure priority for the northwest. 

“A return journey from Donegal/Leitrim/Sligo to Galway is a very long and expensive journey to make in the full of your health, never mind, when getting treatment for cancer. Anyone would be completely horrified when shown the stark reality of the “cancer bus” journey from the top of Donegal to Galway.

“Thanks to a private couple’s goodwill and the public’s generosity, there was funding raised for a bus to carry patients with cancer from Malin Head, through Ballyshannon and Sligo and onto Galway.  This fantastic resource, which incredulously has not received any Government funding but, which many unfortunate cancer-stricken patients and their families have come to rely on, is now past its shelf life. 

“Many of the cancer patients need to use a hygienic toilet frequently but unfortunately this bus has no toilet facilities. Public toilets are not even available en route. I was at the bus stop in Ballyshannon last week where old public toilets are cordoned off for a few years now. One portaloo nearby is the only option. This is disgraceful. 

“How can we justify this treatment of our sick and vulnerable loved ones? I, for one, simply cannot. Our sick and vulnerable loved ones deserve better.

“A new bus with toilet facilities should be provided now. In line with my vision for infrastructure in the Northwest, the upgrade of the N17 needs to happen as soon as possible and the Sligo-Galway trainline would ultimately be the optimal way for cancer patients (and everybody else) to travel to Galway.

“For me to deliver this action plan, please lend your No. 1 vote to Michael Clarke Independent Ireland, or your nearest preference, to see a new alternative in government and enable me to be a common sense voice with the ability to deliver for the people of South Donegal and the northwest.”