Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow, John Brady, has hit out at Government and the National Transport Authority (NTA) for repeatedly failing to deliver much-needed additional capacity on the 133 bus route.
Deputy Brady said passengers across Newtownmountkennedy, Kilpedder, Kilmacanogue and surrounding areas are regularly being left stranded at bus stops as buses reach maximum capacity, particularly during peak morning hours.
Notably, it is also improved 133 services that are awaited to make the €11 million Fassaroe Park and Ride facility, that has been substantially complete since late 2025, operational.
Teachta Brady said:
“I have been inundated by members of the public who are being let down by this service on a constant basis.
“Passengers are regularly being left by the side of the road as full buses simply drive past stops.
“What makes this failure even more frustrating is its direct connection to the €11 million Fassaroe Park and Ride debacle.
“That facility has been substantially complete since late 2025, but is sitting unused because the necessary funding for the bus services has not been made available by Government.
“The NTA has previously confirmed that upgraded 133 services, including increased peak-time capacity and improved off-peak frequencies, are intended to serve the Fassaroe facility.
“So instead of funding the additional services that would help address the serious overcrowding on the 133 while also allowing this new park and ride facility to operate, Government has failed on both fronts.
“This is failure upon failure.
“People are being left stranded because there is insufficient capacity on the 133, while infrastructure designed to improve public transport is ready but cannot be used because the funding to provide the necessary bus services has not been made available.
“I am calling on Government and the NTA to immediately intervene and increase capacity on the 133 route.
“The population in Newtownmountkennedy, Kilpedder, Kilmacanogue and surrounding areas has grown substantially in recent years, and public transport services must adapt accordingly.
“People need a reliable, sustainable public transport system that meets demand. Government must now provide the funding required to deliver the additional 133 services that have already been identified as necessary.”
ENDS