Wicklow Sinn Féin TD John Brady has described the decision to continue to operate the 702 Greystones via Bray to Dublin Airport service on a reduced basis as disappointing. The 702 has the potential to provide a much-needed public transport link for Wicklow holiday makers and businesspeople to Dublin Airport, particularly at a time when the airport is facing significant car parking challenges.
The failure of the government to provide a transport link to the airport is leading to congestion, environmental concerns, and considerable disruption for Airport users.
Government inaction is leading to the punishment of Airport users for the failures of the Green Party Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan and his Fianna Fail and Fine Gael colleagues.
Brady said:
“Having recently contacted Aircoach in relation to the decision to the decision to maintain the 702 Greystones via Bray to Dublin Airport Service on a reduced timetable, I can only describe the decision as disappointing.
I would again like to call upon Aircoach to review their decision, particularly in light of the demand from Airport users from Wicklow.
Previously the 702 route was operated on a 24-hour basis, but under the new reduced schedule the last Aircoach out of Greystones is at 6pm evening time, whilst the last Aircoach leaving Dublin Airport for Greystones is at 8.05pm.
Increased volumes of cars at Dublin airport will also place even more pressure on car parking facilities which are already overrun.
In the last number of months Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) have been forced to issue several advisories to potential car park users that facilities at the Airport car parks were full.
Overrun car parks, combined with a lack of public transport has left Wicklow holiday makers and businesspeople stranded at the airport on a number of occasions.
The failure of the government to provide a transport link between the city centre and Dublin Airport is a disgrace.
It is one of the only airports in Europe that is not serviced with a direct rail line.
The failure of the government to address their failure, is putting more and more people into cars, at a time when there is a strategic focus on reducing car numbers on our roads for environmental reasons.
Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan needs to act to address the needs and demands from Airport users to ensure that there is a workable, commuter focussed link from Dublin Airport to outlying areas.
I have no doubt that Wicklow holiday makers and businesspeople attempting to access Dublin Airport believe that they have been punished enough by this government.”
