Campaign against bus service cuts gathering speed
FOLLOWING a public meeting in Enniskerry of over 100 people regarding the National Transport Authority bus connects proposals Bray and Enniskerry Labour Party Representative Ian McGahon has called the proposals for local areas in Bray and Enniskerry ‘a regressive attack on the elderly communities’.
Residents intend to have some kind of public protest event this weekend, possibly on Sunday in the middle of the day, with arrangements scheduled to be made at a further meeting held last night.
‘If it does go ahead we will need the support of as many people as possible that will be affected by the proposed bus changes to the 185 and 44 routes, that would include parts of Bray, Kilternan, Stepaside, Shop River, Glencree, and Powerscourt Estate,’ said a spokesman.
Speaking on the issue Mr McGahon said: ‘ There are some advantages to some of what Bus Connects wants to achieve but taking away the bus service from the local communities of Kilgarron Hill in Enniskerry and The Palermo Area of Bray is a disgraceful attack on elderly people living in the areas. Taking the service away from these local communities in particular in Palermo in Bray and Kilgarron in Enniskerry is a regressive attack on the elderly communities and it is unacceptable.
Mr McGahon was among those to address the Enniskerry meeting held at the Powerscourt Arms last Wednesday night.
He presented information on how people can engage with the National Transport Authority proposals. There has been a local citizens group set up in Enniskerry on the matter.
‘It is important to remember that these are proposals,’ said Ian. ‘I strongly urge members of the public to read up on the proposals at www.busconnects.ie, to inform themselves on what the proposed changes are and to make their views heard. Local citizens can give their views by emailing consultations@ busconnects.ie, posting a letter to: BusConnects Network Redesign, National Transport Authority,
Harcourt Lane, Dublin 2, D02 WT20 or attending the NTA consultation at Tesco Bray on September 7 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
‘It is clear the current proposals are problematic for Bray and Enniskerry,’ said Ian.
The closing date for submissions regarding the proposals is September 28.
To find out arrangements for the weekend event, call 085 8752616, or check the Facebook page ‘Keep Enniskerry Connected’.