Commuters left “stranded” after Airport Hopper service pulled says Ward

Sinn Féin spokesperson for Dublin, Mark Ward has called for the restoration of the Airport Hopper service after it was axed this week.

This week, it was announced that despite popular demand, the Airport Hopper bus services between Maynooth and Tallaght and Dublin Airport will cease their operation.

The Dublin Mid-West TD said, “it came as a shock to many people in my constituency of Dublin Mid-West and the wider Dublin area that the airport hopper service was no longer operating.”

“The first commuters became aware of this was when they tried booking the service but were unable to do so.”

“The Airport Hopper was the most economical way for people in Dublin to get to the airport. People in Clondalkin, Lucan and Tallaght will be impacted by this decision and left with no dedicated service to the airport from these areas,” he said.

A previous €10 trip from Clondalkin to the airport will now cost €40 to €60 for a taxi.

“Previous governments have failed to provide adequate transport services to Dublin Airport.  An intervention will be needed from government on the airport hopper or they will be starting out on the same note,” he said.

“Irish Rail said they could deliver a DART service to the airport in 5 years. Sinn Féin committed to progressing MetroLink. Government have dragged their heels on these.”

“In the absence of services, or where ones like Airport Hopper cease to operate, the people of Dublin need a solution. That solution is publicly run services that operate in all parts of Dublin”

“I have written to both Airport Hopper Holding LTD and to the Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien. I have yet to receive a response from either.”

“I will be meeting with the NTA next month with Sinn Fein spokesperson for Transport, Pa Daly TD and raising this issue,” he added.