Transport chiefs urged to improve bus services in west Wicklow
The Wicklow PeopleThe National Transport Authority (NTA) has again been asked to improve frequency and reliability on bus services serving communities throughout west Wicklow.
The 132 is the only bus service south of Blessington along the N81 corridor, with the last bus leaving Dublin at 5.30pm with reports suggesting the current service is unreliable and not meeting the demands of commuters across the wider west Wicklow region.
Speaking at the July meeting of Wicklow County Council, Cllr Avril Cronin highlighted issues raised with the NTA have not yet been addressed and questions have not been answered.
Cllr Cronin said, “I am still awaiting a response from the NTA regarding issues I raised with them at the October council meeting.”
“Last year we were promised an improved service on the 132 bus route and we are still awaiting the promised increase in services. When the NTA officials presented to us, they confirmed that the service would increase, meaning that we would have double the service we currently have. To date, there has been no improvement.”
Cllr Stephen Stokes indicated the Transport Strategic Planning Committee has written to the NTA asking through the senior executive officer if they'd be willing to come to a full meeting of Wicklow County Council to have all queries clarified.
Cllr Cronin also raised the need for improved routes within the local link service to cater for the needs of rural villages.
“Villages such as Hollywood, Donard, Valleymount, Stratford, Grangecon and Kiltegan have little or no public transport options servicing their communities.”
“We do not have a rail line, and we don’t have a motorway in west Wicklow, the least we deserve is a reliable, frequent bus service to meet the needs of our rural areas. We cannot and should not be left behind.”