The National Transport Authority’s Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan launched this week proposes a number of new and expanded bus routes that will increase transport options for many citizens living in rural towns and villages in Kildare according to Fine Gael Minister Martin Heydon.
“Many of the proposals for Kildare are routes that I have consistently fought for in conjunction with my team of local councillors where we identified areas that are lacking in transport connections at present. Some of the proposed new routes are expansions of existing routes already provided by Kildare/South Dublin Local Link and highlight the importance of those local bus routes to provide connections between our smaller communities and larger towns.”
The proposals for Kildare include the following new and expanded routes:
- An expansion of the existing 880 Local Link route from Naas to Carlow to serve the villages of Narraghmore and Calverstown;
- A new route between Newbridge and Naas serving Caragh, Prosperous, Cooleragh, Allenwood, Robertstown & Kilmeague;
- A new interurban bus service between Portlaoise and Wexford which will serve Athy;
- An expansion of the existing 884 route to link Sallins Rail Station/Naas with Carlow serving Castledermot, Baltinglass, Ballymore Eustace and Blessington.
The proposals when agreed will be introduced over a 5 year programme from 2022 to 2026.
“These new proposals are now the subject of public consultation until 10th December. You can view more details of the proposals and Have Your Say by completing a survey at the Connecting Ireland section of the National Transport Authority’s website.
“The NTA have also set up a call centre and email address if people want to submit more details comments or observations on the current proposals at Email: connectingireland@nationaltransport.ie or phone: 0818 300121.
“While it is positive to see expanded routes proposed, these may not cover all areas and now is the time to Have Your Say” concluded Minister Heydon.