MINISTERIAL DELAY HOLDS UP ADDITIONAL BUSES FOR NORTHERN LINE COMMUTERS
1 Sep 2009
Labour Transport Spokesperson Tommy Broughan T.D. has learnt that Bus Eireann has been left waiting for permission from the Minister of Transport Noel Dempsey to introduce additional direct bus services that would facilitate Northern Line commuters who have been left stranded by the recent collapse of the Broadmeadow railway bridge.
"A number of Balbriggan based commuters have informed me that it is extremely difficult to get home to Balbriggan during off-peak times. Rail commuters who work unsociable hours or who may have to stay on later in Dublin City believe they have been left stranded and face hours long, indirect bus journeys to get home. I have already asked Dr. John Lynch the head of CIE to ensure that all commuter rail tickets are honoured on Bus Eireann services outside of peak hours.
"Mr. Tim Hayes the CEO of Bus Eireann has now told me that the company wishes to facilitate bus and rail users in Balbriggan as much as possible and they have "applied to the Department of Transport for permission to operate certain (direct) services from Balbriggan via the Port Tunnel and we are still awaiting a response from the Department on this matter." Bus Eireann needs permission from the Department of Transport to introduce a new direct Balbriggan service.
"It is astonishing that the Minister is dragging his feet on this issue given the massive inconvenience that has been caused to thousands of commuters along the Northern Line since the collapse of the Broadmeadow railway bridge. Commuters in Balbriggan and in other important districts including Laytown, Co. Meath are crying out for the introduction of additional and direct bus services to their town.
"Minister Dempsey must urgently review any outstanding bus license requests that would help ease the enormous difficulties for Northern Line commuters and make sure that all possible additional bus services are provided." |