Kinsale bus service
Christopher O’Sullivan complained that the 226 Cork city–Kinsale bus lacks capacity and leaves students stranded, and he also objected to a bus stop without shelter. The Minister said improved frequency increases usage and offered to work with him on the service.
We are over time. There are eight minutes and 30 seconds left and more than ten speakers remain so I ask for the co-operation of Members.
Comment on this
I will be quick. It is a focus of this Government to improve public transport and encourage people to use it. For that to happen, we need a public transport system and a bus service that is fit for purpose. The Kinsale to Cork city bus service, the 226 service, is not fit for purpose. There are capacity issues. Students who want to access third level education in Cork city are being left on the side of the road. In the terrible weather we have seen recently, that is a horrible situation. There is also an issue with the move of the bus stop in Cork city to a location that has no bus shelter. I do not expect the Minister to be able to solve this problem. This is in the hands of the National Transport Authority, NTA. I ask the Minister to facilitate and arrange a meeting so that the NTA will meet with me, with Senator Tim Lombard, who has also been working on this issue, and with the community in Kinsale so that we can solve this problem. That is all I ask.
Comment on this
I thank Deputy O'Sullivan. I would be happy to do that. In my experience, when the frequency of a service is improved, such as the 220 service between Cork city and Carrigaline, the use increases dramatically. When the service is provided, if the need is there a significant uptake occurs. I will be happy to work with Deputy O'Sullivan in regard to the 226 service between Cork city and Kinsale.