Cllr Evelyn Parsons has called on the National Transport Authority to reconsider its decision to not provide a multistop bus service along the old Galway-Ballinasloe-Dublin route. This follows a meeting between Cllr Parsons and the NTA this week where she outlined the vital link such a service provides.
Cllr Parsons met with NTA CEO, Anne Graham, where she raised the detrimental effects of the withdrawal of a multi-stop bus service along the old Galway-Ballinasloe-Dublin route on local communities.
“This decision has left communities and students, hospital staff, patients and visitors in the lurch and, in particular, has created difficulty for those who rely on public transport to attend Portiuncula University Hospital,” stated Cllr Parsons.
“I believe the decision that there is no requirement to reinstate the multi-stop service is flawed and I would urge the NTA to listen to the local community and those who rely on the service. I have been contacted by a large number of people from the community of Ballinasloe including Portiuncula University hospital and from East Galway and beyond into Roscommon who are concerned over the refusal to replace this service,” she said.
“I believe the NTA’s figures are not reflecting the current commuter trends and needs of this Just Transition area and also fail to take into account the lack of rural transport options available.Commercial viability alone should not be the criteria for provision of public services
“I travelled to strongly impress upon the CEO and the NTA team in person that it is vital that this decision is reconsidered as a matter of urgency. People clearly want a return of the multistop service along this route, ” concluded Cllr Parsons.
