Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow, John Brady, has strongly criticised the continued delays in launching the long-awaited Glendalough to Bray bus service, and is calling on the National Transport Authority (NTA) to bring the rollout forward significantly from the currently proposed timeline of late September or early October.
Deputy Brady, who has campaigned for improved rural transport links across Wicklow, said the repeated postponements are completely unacceptable and have left local communities frustrated and underserved.
“This service was first announced in October of last year, and since then, we’ve seen delay after delay. It was due to be in place much earlier in 2025, and now the NTA is saying it will not be operational until the end of September or even October. That simply isn’t good enough. People across Glendalough, Laragh, Annamoe, Roundwood have waited long enough for a regular and reliable public transport option. This service is vital and must be rolled out as early as possible.”
“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.”
The new service will also feature a modern and integrated approach to public transport, including access to the TFI Go app for real-time journey planning, Leap Card payment options, and the acceptance of Free Travel Passes.
“This isn’t just a bus route — it’s a vital public transport link that will provide modern, convenient, and affordable travel options for people living in areas that have long been overlooked. It is essential that the NTA treats this with the urgency it deserves. I am continuing to engage directly with the NTA to put pressure on them to bring forward the launch date. We need to see this service operational before the proposed late-September date. There is no valid reason for yet another delay.”
Brady said delivering the service in time for the end of the summer would allow people to begin using it at the start of the new term and work cycle, giving it the best chance of being successful and well utilised from the outset.
“We have waited long enough. Rural communities have a right to accessible, connected transport. The NTA must stop dragging its heels and get this essential service up and running without any further delay.” Ends