People left 'stranded' by public buses

Why buses turn up late or sometimes not at all was a question posed by Cllr Brendan Fay (Ind) at the December monthly meeting of Cavan County Council.

The Belturbet councillor particularly shared his frustration at the “failure” of the X30/30 service to the airport.

He proposed that the council write to the Minister for Transport for a “clear and immediate explanation” for why people are being left “stranded”.

“Especially late night buses leaving people sometimes alone and vulnerable.”

On top of this, Cllr Fay said people are not receiving “information” when buses are delayed or when they do not show up.

He gave the case of a woman “abandoned” in Belturbet recently when the route 30 service did not show up.

“She was very vulnerable and was trying to get to Ballyshannon,” he said, adding that the community there “got her sorted”.

“God only know what might have happened to her,” he said.

He believes holiday makers, workers and other people who use the service “deserve an explanation” as to why this is happening.

Cllr John Paul Feeley (FF) seconded the motion, describing how people “can’t rely” on the service.

His party colleague Áine Smith gave the example of a woman who was attending an appointment in the Mater Hospital whose bus “didn’t turn up”.

She said it makes little sense to encourage people to use more public transport if they “can’t rely” on the services.

Cllr Patricia Walsh (FF) also gave her support to the motion.