Uproar after bus service is axed in Kildare

The Mayor of the Athy Municipal District (MD) has voiced her frustrations over the recent withdrawal of a bus service.

Labour Party councillor Aoife Breslin made her views known at the latest MD meeting, which was held on Monday, April 14 last.

She motioned for Kildare County Council (KCC) to write to private coach company JJ Kavanagh & Sons regarding the withdrawal of the 717 service from Athy to Dublin Airport.

Mayor Breslin explained that she wants this decision to be reconsidered by the company.

Earlier this month, JJ Kavanagh & Sons announced that starting from April 7 last, the following stops will no longer be serviced by its 717 route: Kilcullen (The Hideout); Naas (Poplar Pharmacy / Post Office); and Athy (The Castle Inn / Woodstock).

SUPPORT

Mayor Breslin's motion was seconded by her party colleague, Cllr Mark Leigh. Her motion also found support in Fianna Fáil Cllr Veralouise Behan.

In response, she was told by KCC via its report at the meeting that this would have to be a matter for the members to agree upon.

According to Mayor Breslin, she claimed that the announcement "was made overnight, with very little publicity".

"This is the only bus service that went directly from Athy to Dublin Airport," she added. "It's a vital service."

Mayor Breslin further claimed that there was an apparent "lack of proper consultation" from JJ Kavanagh & Sons with locals regarding its plans to withdraw the service.

In addition, Mayor Breslin urged the other members to support her in expressing the MD's "grave disappointment".

The members then agreed to send a letter to JJ Kavanagh & Sons regarding the matter.

Mayor of the Athy MD, Labour Party Cllr Aoife Breslin. Photo credit: kildarecoco.ie

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