Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow John Brady has welcomed confirmation from the National Transport Authority (NTA) that a timetable change is planned for the L2 bus route later this year and renewed his call for the inclusion of loop between Kilcoole and Newtownmountkennedy to the local public transport network.
The update came in response to a series of representations made by Deputy Brady to the NTA regarding ongoing concerns about bus service performance across Wicklow.
The NTA confirmed that senior management has been meeting weekly with Go-Ahead Ireland to review network-wide performance and confirmed that changes to the L2 timetable are being developed to improve reliability.
Teachta Brady said:
“I welcome the news that a timetable change is on the way for the L2 service.
“Reliable public transport is essential for communities across Wicklow and it is important that the issues affecting passengers are addressed as a matter of urgency.
“However, this announcement must also be accompanied by a broader expansion of bus services throughout Wicklow.
“Since 2017, Sinn Féin has campaigned for a bus loop linking Kilcoole, Newcastle and Newtownmountkennedy.
“This proposal was included in the initial BusConnects L2 route published in 2020 following sustained campaigning by Sinn Féin and local communities.
“However, despite widespread support, the loop was removed from the route during the revised plans published in 2024.
“The need for this service is greater now than ever.
“Newtownmountkennedy has experienced a significant increase in population over recent years, yet the Government has failed to provide a secondary school for the town.
“As a result, many students must travel daily to neighbouring communities for their education.
“One of the clearest examples of this is the challenge facing pupils living in Newtownmountkennedy who attend Coláiste Craobh Abhann in Kilcoole.
“There is currently no direct public transport link between the two communities, leaving students and their families totally reliant on private cars for the school commute.
“This places additional pressure on already congested roads and creates unnecessary costs and inconvenience for working families.
“A bus loop connecting these communities would provide a practical and sustainable transport option for students, parents and commuters alike.
“I have repeatedly engaged with the NTA seeking updates on this, but there has been no additional information forthcoming.
“Delaying this connection will only add to the frustration already being experienced by commuters across North Wicklow where traffic congestion remains a serious issue.
“The people of Wicklow have been promised a modern, efficient and reliable public transport network.
“It is time to see these commitments delivered in full.”
ENDS