Wicklow Sinn Féin TD John Brady has criticised the upcoming rollout of the new 6a phase of the BusConnects Network Redesign, set to take effect on January 26th, for failing to address key, manageable issues. Brady expressed particular concern over the cancellation of vital routes and the failure to ensure adequate public transport connections for commuters and students.
He highlighted the removal of the 143 and 144 routes, previously operated by Bray-based commercial operator Finnegan’s Buses, as a major misstep, leaving no public transport link between Bray and the LUAS.
Brady said:
“The rollout of the 6a phase is a major redesign of the bus network for North Wicklow and Dublin, yet it’s difficult to understand how commuters in Bray will now lose direct access to the LUAS in Sandyford following the termination of the 143 and 144 routes.
This is nothing short of a major backward step. Despite extensive planning and consultation, Transport for Ireland (TFI) has failed to provide an integrated public transport service for Bray and its surrounding areas. Crucially, the removal of these routes was never flagged during consultations.
I welcome the new L14 around-the-town service in Bray, which I had campaigned for. However, I have concerns about the use of double-decker buses on this route.
The introduction of the L14 is a positive development, but using double-decker buses is problematic. In areas like Palermo, where the 185 route has struggled with tight residential spaces and roadside parking, the large buses caused damage to cars and congestion. Smaller buses, like the Imp buses used in the past, are much better suited to these areas.
Similarly, the decision to use double-decker buses on Meath Road is questionable, given its narrow layout with cars parked on both sides. A smaller, more practical bus would serve this route far better.
In the redesign of the routes there was an opportunity to have a public transport link between Newtownmountkennedy and Kilcoole. So, extending the new L1 route to Newtownmountkennedy and Kilcoole is essential. Many secondary school students in Newtown must travel to Coláiste Chraobh Abhann in Kilcoole, and a direct bus service would meet an urgent need for this community.
The decision not to connect Bray with LUAS stops in Cherrywood or Sandyford in the redesign is a serious shortcoming. We must have a public transport system that works and is connected. I will continue to work with Transport for Ireland on all these important issues to ensure that we have a public transport service that is fit for purpose.” ENDS