A petition set up by Sinn Féin TD for Galway East, Louis O’Hara, calling for funding for essential bus and rail services from Athenry to Galway, has received over 1200 signatures.
O’Hara recently received correspondence from the NTA and Iarnród Éireann stating that no funding is in place to maintain the 6.50am train from Athenry to Galway beyond August, or to establish the long-promised new bus service between Athenry and Galway.
Speaking today, O’Hara reiterated his call on Ministers O’Brien and Canney to fund these essential services.
“The petition has been signed by over 1200 people in little over a week. This demonstrates the level of frustration in Athenry with the current situation and the demand that exists for better public transport. It sends a clear message to Government and the transport authorities that they need to listen and fund these essential services.
“The 6.50am train is a vital service for those who have work, education and other commitments early in the morning in the city. While the ongoing failure to implement a new bus service for Athenry, 18 months after the previous service ended and the NTA approved a PSO, is unacceptable.
“At a time when Government is pushing for a transition to public transport to get people out of cars, it doesn’t make sense not to fund these essential services and leave commuters with no alternatives. Some train services remain dangerously overcrowded and what is needed is more services, not cuts,”h e said.
Deputy O Hara said he reiterates his call for Ministers for Transport, Darragh O’Brien and Sean Canney, to listen to those who have signed the petition and to step up and fund these essential bus and rail services.
“I will be presenting the petition to them and the transport authorities in the coming weeks and would encourage anyone who hasn’t signed the petition already to do so,” he concluded.
