People Before Profit meeting re. BusConnects in Ballyfermot

People Before Profit Councillor Hazel De Nortúin and Bríd Smith TD say they met with representatives of BusConnects last Wednesday, July 13, to outline the concerns of residents in the Ballyfermot area about the new 60 route, which is intended to replace the 79.

The changes are due to be introduced on August 28, pending staffing issues as Dublin Bus have a serious shortage of bus workers.

In a joint statement, Cllr De Nortúin and Deputy Smith said:

“The BusConnects officials committed to examining a number of our suggestions.

“We made it clear to them that local people were deeply unhappy with the removal of the 79 and the infrequency of the number 60 bus.

“The officials committed to come back to us within ten days, having examined the possibility and the cost of the following:

“1) Improving the frequency of the 60 bus route during school travel times.

“2) Increasing the service to every half hour.

“3) On Claddagh Green examining alternative routing away from the shops to avoid pinch points and the Claddagh Court accommodation.

“The officials emphasised that G1 and G2 routes will be run along the main road with a high frequency of one of each bus every 15 minutes.

“Both routes will also run 24 hours, with one of each bus every hour during the night.

“We welcome any improvement in public transport, but do not agree that any group should be left behind. Decies Rd, Landon Rd and the surrounding area have always had a bus service and many elderly and mobility impaired people will be unable to get to the main road to connect with the new G bus route.

“We have emphasised to the National Transport Authority that a maintained and improved service for the area is essential.

“Any complaints or observations can be sent to info@busconnects.ie

“We will keep you updated on this issue and if you have any further information or questions please contact our constituency office on 01 616 1003.

“There will be a public meeting to discuss this issue in the Ballyfermot Civic Centre on the 21st of July at 7:30pm.”