Bus Éireann asked to explain ongoing disruptions to Donegal-Dublin service
The cancellation of services on the route has been an ongoing issue in recent years
Bus Éireann has been called on to clarify its commitment to the Expressway service between Donegal Town and Dublin Airport following further disruptions on the service in recent weeks.
Sinn Féin TD for Sligo-Leitrim Martin Kenny, who represents parts of south Donegal, made the call after people using the route raised the disruptions to the service with him recently.
The cancellation of services on the route has been an ongoing issue in recent years. There were three cancellations on the route last Sunday.
In April, a group of young Donegal teenagers attending a concert were left stranded on the streets of Dublin when Bus Éireann cancelled the 12.35am bus.
“People depend on this service, whether that is to get to work or catch a flight for a holiday. It's one of the main transport links between Donegal and Dublin. For commuters and passengers to be left on the roadside is unacceptable,” Mr Kenny said.
He said he has been contacted by a commuter in the Ballyshannon area who uses this service to catch a flight from Dublin for work.
“He told me of one instance where the usual 44 seater bus had been swapped for a 26 seater. This left him and a number of others stranded on the roadside. This young man missed his flight and lost half a day at work due to the failures on this service.”
He has written to management in Bus Éireann to establish what is causing the unexpected disruptions and what contingency plan is in place for the people of Ballyshannon and the surrounding localities where the service also operates.
“When this service works, it works very well. However, with the level of disruption people in Ballyshannon face, we need answers to what is causing this disruption and how it can be improved in order to restore the service to people in the area.”