Councillor criticises Aircoach for cutting routes

Aircoach has planned to cut services on the Southside, leading to criticism from a local Fine Gael councillor.

From March 2nd, Route 700 will now operate between Dublin Airport and Leopardstown, and will no longer serve Galloping Green, Foxrock, Cabinteely, Cornelscourt or Cherrywood, Route 701 will become the 700X, providing a shuttle service between Dublin Airport and the City Centre, with the Ballsbridge and St Vincent’s Hospital stops now being served by Route 702 and Route 702 will now operate between Dublin Airport and Dalkey, serving the 3 Arena, Ballsbridge, St Vincent’s Hospital, Booterstown, Monkstown, Dún Laoghaire and Dalkey via the Port Tunnel, and will no longer serve Loughlinstown, Shankill, Bray or Greystones.

Councillor Eoin O’Driscoll said the planned changes are “very disappointing.”

“Changes to Aircoach route 700 mean that the service will no longer serve Galloping Green, Foxrock, Cabinteely, Cornelscourt or Cherrywood. This removes an important public transport option option for many local residents in the Stillorgan local area, which I represent, and beyond.

He said Aircoach’s plans “runs directly counter” to government policy on wangint to decrease private car usage and increase the usage of public transport.

“It  is extremely disappointing that this public transport option is no longer available to my constituents and I have written to Aircoach, the NTA and the Department of Transport urging all parties to work together to ensure that a public transport connection to Dublin Airport is retained for the area,” he said.