Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow, John Brady, has called for urgent action to address ongoing cancellations and reliability issues affecting the 132 Bus Éireann service operating between Bunclody and Connolly Station in Dublin, that serves a number of stops in West Wicklow between Baltinglass and Blessington.
Deputy Brady said that repeated cancellations in recent weeks have damaged public confidence in the service and left commuters unable to rely on public transport to get to work, college, and other essential services.
He said the situation also highlights the wider public transport deficit facing communities across West Wicklow, which continue to be overlooked despite significant population growth and the demand for reliable transport links.
Teachta Brady said:
“In recent weeks, I have been inundated with reports of cancellations on the 132 bus route, leaving people stranded as they try to get home from work.
“The current level of service is simply not acceptable.
“The 132 operates just four times a day between Bunclody and Connolly Station, serving a number of stops in West Wicklow between Baltinglass and Blessington.
“Even with such a limited timetable, services are being consistently cancelled, leaving commuters across West Wicklow stranded without notice and with no alternative means of travel.
“It is not good enough that communities are expected to put up with a service that is so infrequent and so unreliable.
“When commuters cannot depend on a bus turning up as scheduled, public transport ceases to be a viable option.
“I will be writing directly to Bus Éireann to seek answers regarding the ongoing disruption to this service, to demand that immediate steps are taken to improve reliability, and to again request that new buses are added to this route and frequency increased.
“The 132 route is symbolic of the wider problem across West Wicklow, where public transport provision needs to be greatly expanded.
“While the population continues to grow at a rapid pace, communities continue to be neglected when it comes to public transport investment and service provision.
“There is a growing sense that these communities are being left to fend for themselves.
“As someone who has been campaigning for a long time for improvements to public transport in West Wicklow, I am acutely aware of the impact that the service deficit has on communities.
“The people of West Wicklow deserve a dependable public transport service.
“They should not be treated as an afterthought.
“The message from local communities is clear. West Wicklow needs a transport system that is reliable, accessible and fit for purpose.”
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