Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow, John Brady, has today challenged the National Transport Authority (NTA) at the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), on continued delays in launching the long-awaited Glendalough to Bray bus service, and called for the immediate delivery of the much needed service.
Deputy Brady had recently received a reply to a Parliamentary Question, in which, the Department of Transport and the NTA stated that they are currently engaging in relation to funding of the PSO (Public Service Obligation) programme generally, and therefore the commencement date of the route is subject to confirmation of funding and therefore, a precise date for launch cannot be provided at this time.
At today’s meeting, Deputy Brady, who has campaigned for improved rural transport links across Wicklow, pressed the NTA to give a commitment that this route would be delivered as a priority in the first quarter of 2026, a commitment that the NTA could not give.
Teachta Brady said:
“This response will be of absolutely no comfort to people across Glendalough, Laragh, Annamoe, Roundwood who have waited long enough for a regular and reliable public transport option.
“This service was first announced in October of 2024 and since then, we’ve seen delay after delay.
“It is extraordinary that such detailed plans were put in place for the rollout of this badly needed route, which was scheduled to commence in September of last year, including engagement with contractors and the recruitment of additional drivers, only for it now to be stated that the service remains subject to funding and that discussions with the Department are ongoing in relation to PSO.
“This raises serious concerns about the planning process, the communication provided to stakeholders, and the uncertainty being imposed on both service providers and the communities that were led to expect this service to be operational.
“It is simply not good enough.
“This service is vital and must be rolled out as early as possible, and cannot be a victim of the government’s failure to provide sufficient funding in Budget 2026 for new transport services.
“This is about providing a real and reliable seven-day-a-week public transport service that connects rural communities to Bray, where people can access not only local services but also make onward journeys via the regional and DART rail services at Bray (Daly) Station.
“That level of connectivity can be transformative for people who currently have few or no public transport options.
“It will offer an essential transport link for commuters, families, and individuals needing to access employment, healthcare, retail, and other key services in Bray and beyond.
“Following my questioning, the NTA has committed to provide me with a full update on the status of this route, and it is essential that they treat this with the urgency it deserves.
“We have waited long enough. Rural communities have a right to accessible, connected transport. The NTA and Government must stop dragging its heels and get this essential service up and running without any further delay.”
ENDS