Major blow for Carlow people as 'vital' bus route to Dublin Airport set to be scrapped

Carlow passengers are facing a major blow after confirmation that a key bus service to Dublin and Dublin Airport is set to be withdrawn.

Expressway has announced that its Route 4 Waterford to Dublin Airport service will cease from May 24 in a move that has sparked strong criticism from local TDs.

Leas Ceann Comhairle and Fianna Fáil TD John McGuinness described the decision as "a deeply worrying development for people across Carlow and Kilkenny who rely on this service every day".

The route currently serves a number of areas across Carlow and Kilkenny, including Carlow Town, Paulstown, Gowran, Thomastown, Ballyhale and Mullinavat, providing a vital link for commuters and airport passengers.

Deputy McGuinness said the decision sends the wrong message at a time when the Government is trying to encourage people onto public transport.

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"At a time when we are trying to encourage people out of their cars and onto public transport, cutting a key regional route sends entirely the wrong message," he said.

He also warned the move contradicts Ireland's climate commitments, adding: "We are supposed to be getting people onto buses and trains to meet our ambitious 2030 climate targets – yet here we are removing services that people depend on."

Meanwhile, Fianna Fáil TD Peter 'Chap' Cleere said he was "deeply dismayed" by the announcement and warned that rural Carlow risks being left behind.

"This is a vital service for rural areas across Carlow and Kilkenny," he said.

Cleere has called on the National Transport Authority to step in and introduce a Public Service Obligation (PSO) to maintain the route.

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"Even if this service doesn't make a profit commercially, it doesn't make it any less an essential service for the route and people it serves," he said.

He added that he has contacted the NTA and urged it to act quickly before the service is withdrawn.

"As Rural Affairs spokesperson, I am determined to engage to deliver a replacement service for the people of Carlow/Kilkenny to ensure rural Ireland isn't left behind."

Expressway said the route is being withdrawn due to ongoing financial losses, as the service operates on a commercial basis without State funding.

The decision forms part of a wider move that will also see services between Ballina–Galway and Rosslare/Wexford–Waterford discontinued.