Palmerstown residents joined the protest in Chapelizod on Saturday (29th) demanding the return of the 26 bus route.
Red Network Councillor Madeleine Johansson, who spoke at the protest, said she has reaffirmed her support for residents in Palmerstown and the wider Dublin 20 area to bring back the 26 bus, a vital service removed under recent BusConnects route changes.
Cllr Johansson also organised a packed public meeting in Palmerstown which drew over 100 local residents.
Attendees raised serious concerns about the replacement Route 80, highlighting ongoing issues such as significant delays, frequent cancellations, unreliable connections, and longer journey times.
“The message from the community is loud and clear,” said Cllr Johansson.
“The new 80 service is simply not meeting people’s needs.
“Workers, students, older residents, and families have been left stranded or facing major disruptions to their daily lives.
“Public transport should make life easier, not harder.”
Residents at the meeting shared personal stories of missed appointments, increased commuting costs, and being left out in the rain and cold when services fail to arrive.
Many expressed frustration that the long-established 26 route, which served the community reliably for years, was removed without adequate consultation or a functioning replacement.
“The turnout at the meeting shows the depth of anger and determination in Palmerstown,” Cllr Johansson continued.
“People came not just to complain, but to demand action. I am committed to amplifying their voices and pushing for the full restoration of the 26 bus.”
Cllr Johansson has called on Dublin Bus and the NTA to engage directly with affected communities, review the impact of the changes, and prioritise restoring a dependable service.
“The community deserves better,” she said. “I will continue to stand with residents until we see real improvements, and until the 26 bus is brought back.”