Local Link urged to increase frequency of this Kildare bus service

placeholder image — Local Link urged to increase frequency of this Kildare bus service. FILE PHOTOGRAPH / PIXABAY

It was heard that a large number of students from Kildare use the service in order to get to colleges and universities

Transport for Ireland's Local Link is being asked to increase the frequency of one County Kildare bus service.

The request was heard at the latest Athy Municipal District (MD) meeting, which took place on Monday, March 16 last.

The topic was initially raised by Fianna Fáil councillor Veralouise Behan, who motioned for Kildare County Council (KCC) to increase the frequency of the 880 Bus Service.

Specifically, she wanted to see it increased "to an hourly service".

Her motion was seconded by the Mayor of the MD, Fine Gael Cllr Ivan Keatley.

Speaking further on her request, Cllr Behan remarked: "It is a great problem to have, as it shows that people are using the service."

Furthermore, Mayor Keatley said that there is a "huge student population" use the bus service on regular basis in order to access third-level educational facilities, "especially Maynooth University and Carlow IT."

In response to Cllr Behan's motion, KCC said via the report it presented at the meeting: "Decisions regarding the scheduling and frequency of Local Link services are a matter for the Service Planning Section of the National Transport Authority (NTA), to whom this authority is delegated."

KCC added: "With the members agreement, a letter can be issued to the NTA to increase frequency to an hourly service."