TD Farrell calls for improvements to 424 bus service
By Ciarán Ó Flaithearta
Sinn Féin TD for Galway West/Mayo South, Mairéad Farrell, has called on the National Transport Authority (NTA) to increase the passenger capacity on the 424 bus route, accommodating locals between Carraroe and Galway City.
Her call for action comes after she was made aware that many locals, were often left on the side of the road due to the high volume of people commuting via the bus in the morning.
TD Farrell said: “Níl sé seo sách mhaith nuair atá muid ag iarraidh go roghnaíonn níos mó daoine iompair poiblí a úsáid.
“Caithfear cinntiú go bhfuil an tseirbhís iompair poiblí inrochtana do chuile duine atá ag brath air.
“Teastaíonn ardú acmhainn páisinéirí ar seribhís maidine an bhus 424, agus rinne mé teagmháil leis an Údarás Náisiúnta Iompair maidir leis an bhfadhb seo.”
Farrell renewed her call following her meeting with the University of Galway Students’ Union, at which student representatives told Farrell that students are being left on the side of the road and missing lectures and other events on campus as a result.
Housing crisis
While speaking in the Dáil on Tuesday, 17 October, Farrell stated: “The housing crisis and sky-high rents have forced families, workers and students to move further and further outside the city, and more people are relying on public transport to get in and out of Galway.”
She continued by stating: “University of Galway Students’ Union has stressed that transport troubles are impacting students’ education and social life.
“We must do everything possible to ensure that our public transport system is a help not a hindrance for commuting students and workers.”
Improvements to rural bus services
In response, a spokesperson for the National Transport Authority (NTA) has relayed that, under new budget schemes, improvements are set to be made to rural bus services including the 424.
“The 424 service is currently earmarked for improvements as part of the Connecting Ireland rural transport scheme,” they said.
“We currently anticipate that changes to the service will go live before the end of the year subject to detailed checks on operational readiness and the availability of the required resources, primarily drivers.
“The changes to be bought in will aim to address the capacity issues being faced during the peak times.”
