Local link 356 route restored after anti-social behaviour lead to service disruption

The evening Local Link 356 bus service has resumed its full route through Clonmel after several days of curtailment caused by a spate of anti-social behaviour in the Old Bridge and Raheen Road areas.

The decision to restore the route was confirmed on Monday, November 3, following a temporary postponement that began last Friday. The suspension came after a series of incidents in which buses were pelted with rocks, bottles and eggs, forcing Waterford Local Link to divert the 356 away from affected neighbourhoods from 5pm each evening.

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Local TD Michael Murphy welcomed the move to reinstate the full service, describing it as “positive news” for residents who rely on the bus for work, education and essential travel.

“I’ve spoken with the General Manager of Waterford Local Link this morning and he has confirmed to me that the service will be restored as and from this evening,” Mr Murphy said on Sunday. “This is positive news because I’m positively aware how this service is an essential lifeline for many residents living in the Old Bridge area who depend on it for access to work, education and indeed other essential connections as well.”

The 356 route serves as a key public transport link for Clonmel and nearby communities. Its temporary diversion had left many without convenient access to evening services, highlighting the impact such disturbances can have on rural connectivity.

Community representatives have condemned the behaviour, urging respect for vital public services and the staff who provide them. Local Link has not issued further comment on the incidents but confirmed that services have now returned to normal.

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