Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow, John Brady has criticised the Minister for Transport and the National Transport Authority (NTA) following confirmation that long promised enhancements to the 874 bus service remain without funding or a target implementation date.
The comments come after a reply received from the NTA confirmed that while discussions are ongoing regarding the inclusion of Knockananna on the route alignment, the proposed service enhancements remain subject to funding availability.
Teachta Brady said:
“Yet again, communities across West Wicklow are being left behind.
“Despite commitments under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan and a public consultation process that concluded in 2024, the NTA still cannot provide a definitive timeline for delivery of the improvements to the 874 service.
“People in Knockananna and the surrounding areas have every right to feel frustrated.
“They engaged with the consultation process and were led to believe that improvements were on the way.
“Nearly two years later, they are being told that there is not even a target date for the enhancements to the route.
“This is completely unacceptable.
“Rural communities should not have to fight for basic transport services while being repeatedly asked to wait for another budget cycle.
“The Government speaks regularly about supporting balanced regional development, yet those commitments ring hollow when communities such as Knockananna continue to be denied the public transport services that have already been identified as necessary.
“I am calling on the Minister for Transport to immediately clarify what funding has been allocated for the enhancement of the 874 service and to provide a clear timeline for delivery.
“Local people deserve certainty, not more vague assurances and indefinite delays.”
“West Wicklow communities have waited long enough.
“The Minister and the Government must stop passing responsibility back and forth with the NTA and instead deliver the investment that communities were promised.”
ENDS