Calls from councillors for Kildare bus service to increase its frequency

A number of councillors across the political spectrum have called for one Kildare bus service to increase its frequency.

The request was heard at the full Kildare County Council (KCC) meeting, which took place virtually yesterday afternoon.

Councillors Fintan Brett (Fine Gael; Naas Municipal District), Angela Feeney (Labour Party; Clane-Maynooth MD), Padraig McEvoy (Independent; Clane-Maynooth MD), Naoise Ó Cearúil (Fianna Fáil; Clane-Maynooth MD), Evie Sammon (Fine Gael; Naas MD), Paul Ward (Fianna Fáil; Naas MD), and Brendan Weld (Fine Gael; Clane-Maynooth MD) put forward the following motion at the meeting: "That KCC write to the National Transport Authority on the review of the 139-bus route between Naas, Sallins, Clane, Rathcoffey, Maynooth, Leixlip and Blanchardstown to support the need to improve the service frequency, and to highlight other considerations to enhance the public transport service."

The motion was officially proposed by Cllr McEvoy, and was seconded by Cllr Brett.

Commenting on the motion, Cllr Feeney said: "It is great to see that the 139 service has improved.

"But there is an issue with accessibility, which I also raised last year."

NEWS BRIEF: Kildare County Council comments on bonfires in Newbridge region

She added: "It is unacceptable and I would ask the council to highlight the issue... we need more people on public transport, and that means everyone (referring to both people with or without physical differences)."

Green Party Cllr for Naas, Bob Quinn, also welcomed the motion, saying: "I personally know of many people who rely on this service."

"There has to be a modal shift, and we need to direct every decision towards it."

Social Democrats Cllr Nuala Killeen also spoke in favour of the motion, and called the 139 service 'a great example of a much-used service.'

However, she added: "The frequency should be doubled, if not more."

Fine Gael Cllr for the Celbridge-Leixlip MD Joseph Neville also welcomed the motion, while Cllr Brett called for the installation of bus stop at Blackhall to be explored by KCC.

The matter was ultimately agreed upon by the public representatives present.