Cllr Martina Kinane is urging for significant improvements in public Bus Transport services in South Galway, highlighting that the issue must be prioritised by all newly elected councillors in the upcoming term starting June 19 2024
Cllr. Kinane emphasises the importance of equitable rural investment, stating that the current level of frequent and reliable public transport in South Galway, particularly after 6pm, is unacceptable and demands urgent investment
“I am advocating for TFI local link to operate a regular evening from Oranmore to Kinvara , connecting with the 404 bus route
This service would include stops in Maree, Clarinbridge, Kilcolgan Ballinderreen and Kinvara “ stated Cllr. Kinane
Additionally, Cllr Kinane submitted a proposal over a year ago supported by local community groups, seeking the introduction of auxiliary evening services on Bus Éireann’s 350 route at 20.15 and 22.15, covering Maree, Clarinbridge, Kilcolgan, Ballinderreen, and Kinvara
To build support for these proposals, Cllr Kinane recently hosted a round table discussion in Oranmore with Minister of State for Transport Jack Chambers, attended by over 20 representatives from the Gort- Kinvara LEA. The Minister committee that his department official would engage directly with National Transport Authority (NTA ) regarding the proposal.
While Cllr Kinane welcomes the new bus network for Galway announce last December, which includes new routes for Oranmore, she believes that excluding South Galway from the extensive bus network review was a missed opportunity
Understanding that the project’s approximate implementation date is 2028, Cllr Kinane insists that both the city and county cannot afford to wait that long.
Cllr Martina Kinane calls on all Oireachtas members to focus their energies on expediting the development and rollout of Bus Connects, while also urging immediate adjustments to the existing services to support additional evening bus routes for Maree, Clarinbridge, Kilcolgan, Ballinderreen and Kinvara.
“Enhanced public transport is crucial for the development and well-being of our rural communities. It is time for the government to take decisive action and ensure that South Galway receives the public transport services it deserves,” she concluded.
