Clondalkin bus route cuts
Deputy Collins objects to the NTA plan to replace several bus routes with a single hourly service, warning it will isolate communities and vulnerable users. The Taoiseach says the NTA has statutory independence, but he understands it has met local representatives and will make inquiries after Collins says it refused to do so.
The National Transport Authority, NTA, plans to remove the 13, 68 and 69 buses which run from Clondalkin, Ratoath, down the Naas Road through Bluebell, Inchicore and into the city centre through Thomas Street, Camden Street and Islandbridge, and replace them with a single hourly service. There is significant opposition from commuters affected by this plan and the connecting communities action group is running surveys to oppose it. This move creates a public transport black spot and is a disaster for the elderly and anybody with mobility issues or children jumping two or three buses. I already requested the NTA to meet public representatives and residents from the area but it has refused. Does the Taoiseach stand over that? The NTA should respond to requests of this nature. We are holding a day of action at 11 a.m. on Saturday at the Bluebell bus stop and we will be raising this issue on the streets of our area.
Comment on this
I appreciate this is an important issue for the Deputy and her constituents. I cannot speak on behalf of the NTA which has its statutory remit and does not have to get Government approval for decisions of this nature. However, I know the NTA has met with community representatives and residents before, and I do not see why it should not on this occasion.
Comment on this
It has refused to meet them.