Martin Heydon Fine Gael TD for Kildare South has said there is no imminent risk to the continuation of the Local Bus route from Carlow to Naas which serves Castledermot and Kilcullen as well as Moone, Ballitore, Crookstown and Kilgowan.

“I spoke to Anne Graham of the NTA yesterday after stories had emerged that the service would be curtailed at weekends. I made it clear in the strongest possible terms that a proper promotion of the route is carried out by the state body before any decisions are taken on its success. Initially we had been given a clear commitment that this route had a six month trail to see how it was operating.  It is only operating three months so far but it must be better advertised to give it every chance of success and to maintain important connectivity for local towns and villages.

“I promoted the timetables on my own local literature but I have been critical of the lack of promotion of this route by the NTA and I have previously raised the issue of funding being allocated specifically for promotion.

“Ms Graham has confirmed today that the route will continue in operation until the end of year as planned and that the nationaI authority will work with Kildare Local Link to promote the service further.

“Timetables for the service are also available from my office on 045-487624.