FF Cllr John Connolly has said that the New Draft Bus Network for the City will provide a number of routes that will link the wider Knocknacarra area with Salthill, something that is lacking from the current bus network.
“The new draft network recently published by the NTA is proposing a number of new routes where the terminus is within the Western Suburbs. Five of the routes will start and finish at the Gateway Retail Park on the Western Distributor Rd, while a further 3 routes will pass through the Gateway. This location is to become a central hub for transport and connectivity in the draft plan,” he said, adding that one of the few routes starting in the Western Suburbs that will not traverse through the Gateway is the new proposed route 7.
“It is intended that Route 7 will start at Cappagh Rd and bring passengers through Salthill and onwards to the city centre. It is intended that Route 7 will be a service with a 20- minute frequency.”
“The new proposed Route 1 is a variation on the current 401 service. Route 1 is changing to commence its journey at the Gateway Retail Park on the Distributor Rd before proceeding onto Threadneedle Rd and through Salthill. The proposed frequency on this route is every 15 minutes. Following Salthill, the route is expected to go through the City Centre and onwards to Parkmore Industrial estate.”
“The new proposed routes that will service Salthill from the Western Suburbs are very welcome and will open new connectivity for passengers wanting to enjoy Salthill while leaving the car at home. These routes will also make Salthill more attractive and accessible for passengers making the journey in the opposite direction. Route 7 will terminate on the Headford Rd while Route 1 will also service the eastern suburbs of Mervue, Ballybane and Doughiska.”
Cllr Connolly said that it is very welcome news for the business community in Salthill, but most importantly it will make one of most attractive recreational areas in the city more accessible to an increasing number of people.”
“One flaw of the new draft network is the exclusion of the Kingston area. I have proposed an alteration to the proposed 10B route that will overcome this issue and I am hopeful that the NTA will incorporate this change into their final plan,” he added.
