Social Democrat Cllr. Jennifer Whitmore has asked that the newly rebranded Local Link bus service include Greystones and surrounding towns in its proposal for new routes in the county.
Whitmore said “I’m delighted that Local Link are looking to expand on the bus services that they currently offer in Co. Wicklow, and are seeking additional funding from the National Transport Authority to do so. As part of their submission to the NTA, I have requested that they consider a service for the North Wicklow area that would include routes that connected with the Dart Station in Greystones.
“To demonstrate the demand for a service of this type, I conducted an online consultation in local area asking if people would be interested in a shuttle bus service, to which I had a huge response.
Whitmore continued: “Interestingly, my consultation showed that there is demand for two separate routes. The first route would be a circular loop around Greystones, taking in Charlesland, Delgany, Blacklion, and the Dart station. Greystones is growing fast, and many of the new developments are 20-30 minutes walk from the Dart station. The Park ‘n Ride is full every morning by 8.30am and traffic congestion (particularly at school drop off time) is becoming a big problem in the town.
“However, my consultation also showed that there was an additional need for a link between neighbouring towns and villages (Kilcoole, Newcastle, Newtownmountkennedy, Kilpeddar, Kilquade, Roundwood) that would allow people access the Dart station and local schools in particular. People find access to public transport in these areas is very difficult in these towns and providing a link like this to Greystones would be a big advantage.
“The huge level of interest in this issue shows that there is a real appetite for additional transport, and I am hopeful that Local Link will be successful in their funding application and can make these services a reality.”
