Fine Gael Kildare South TD, Martin Heydon, has today (Thursday) said he was happy to have facilitated a meeting between members of the “Save our N9 Bus Service” group and Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Pascal Donohoe last night in Leinster House. Deputy Jack Wall and Minister of State with responsibility for Rural Affairs Anne Phelan also attended.
“We outlined the current position to Minister Pascal Donohoe, setting out the difficulties that the cut in services by JJ Kavanagh has had on a number of South Kildare areas from Castledermot, Moone, Timolin, Crookstown, Kilgowan and Kilcullen. Coming after a similar cut in Bus Eireann services a few years ago, the reduction in services has impacted on many different sectors of the community, from students trying to get to college, older people attending hospital appointments and many in between.
“Minister Donohoe listened to the concerns, took them on board and understood the seriousness of the situation. As a next step, he has undertaken to set up a meeting for us with Bus Eireann. Following that meeting, he will facilitate a meeting with the National Transport Authority (“NTA”).
“I have spoken to Anne Graham CEO of the NTA this week to follow up on my correspondence with her on this issue. I am happy following that discussion that the NTA are very aware of the issue and are examining potential solutions.
“I am continuing to work with the campaign group to assist them in their fight to restore services to the area from Castledermot to Kilcullen.