TFI Local Link Mayo en route to a major milestone

In March 2020, helping people to stay at home became the new role of the TFI Local Link Mayo rural transport services when Ireland went into the first Covid-19 lockdown.

Since then it has provided almost 30,000 collect and deliver services from pharmacies and local shops for passengers, delivering critical medical supplies to the elderly, the vulnerable and sick within rural areas.

As the Covid-19 situation continued to evolve, a year on TFI Local Link Mayo reinvented its operations numerous times to respond to community needs. The changes included the provision of library service home deliveries, meals on wheels and food distributions in conjunction with local community groups, delivery of supplies, medical and vaccine transport, as well as regular phone calls to check in to see what supports were required.

TFI Local Link Mayo were supported by the NTA, HSE and the local authority through an uncertain period. The significance of rural transport came to the fore and Local Link drivers were proven to be exemplary in following public health guidelines, and they continued to go the extra mile to ensure those most isolated and experiencing the most acute level of disadvantage during the pandemic stayed connected.

Working with Mayo County Council's community response team, An Garda Síochána, Civil Defence, Order of Malta and a range of community and voluntary groups was vital to ensure elderly and vulnerable members of the community had a trusted and coordinated support service throughout this critical time.

The team at Local Link Mayo would like to thank all who have provided support and assistance to enable a successful response.

As Henry Ford said: “Coming together is the beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.”