Petition demands Bus Éireann retain service

UP TO 300 people have signed a petition demanding Bus Éireann retain a service between towns in north Cork and west Waterford.

Angry passengers availing of a service between Dungarvan and Mallow have presented the petition to the office of Sean Sherlock TD.

The Cork East TD, along with his Labour Party colleague in Waterford, Brian O’Shea TD, have been attempting to raise the issue in the Dáil.

Linda Barrett, from Castletownroche in Co Cork, was among the passengers that handed in the petition.

Her fear is that she will be effectively cut off from accessing basic goods and services if Bus Éireann is allowed to proceed with plans to axe the service.

“I have one child and I can’t drive. I would also not be in a position to go and buy a car so I will be left completely stranded if the service goes and I am not alone. People are heavily reliant on the bus to get them to dentist and eye appointments, not to mention their local bank or credit union. It’s an absolute disgrace,” she said.

Another regular user, Hannah Roche, also criticised moves to withdraw the service which she avails of up to three times a week.

“There are always people on the bus and for those of us who do not drive we have a basic right to some form of public transport.

“There is no excuse for what Bus Éireann are doing here. They are not even considering leaving the bus on one day a week,” Ms Roche said.

Route 366 is just one of a number of bus routes across counties Cork and Waterford serving rural areas that Bus Éireann plans to axe.

The two Labour TDs, meanwhile, have tabled a joint motion before the Dáil calling for immediate intervention to prevent the axing of vital bus services.

“Many of the areas serviced by the Dungarvan to Mallow bus route have already lost banks and post offices leaving people with no choice but to travel. This is a callous move by Bus Éireann that will obliterate bus services in rural areas,” Mr Sherlock said.