OPINION: Kilkenny needs a bus network that works for everyone

While there have been some positive recent developments in the public transport sector here in Kilkenny, we're still struggling for comprehensive service delivery.

Let's say you're 18 and have just been accepted into SETU in Waterford. Your first lecture is just down the road in Waterford City and starts at 9am. However, the first bus from Mullinavat isn't until 10.56am.

By the time you get across the Rice Bridge, it's already time to think about lunch. This is the issue with public transport in the rural areas of Kilkenny. Poor timetables.

Earlier this year Bus Éireann axed the Route 4 Expressway from Waterford to Dublin Airport.

This service ran through Mullinavat, Ballyhale, Thomastown and Gowran and provided direct transport to Waterford, Carlow, Dublin and flights from the country.

I remember being handed a petition to save the bus as I was walking out of a shop in Thomastown. What struck me most about the news was the amount of anger there was.

For many, driving is a huge part of our lives, and losing a bus route mightn’t seem like a big deal. But for those relying on it, it changes everything.

Local public transport plays a huge role in people's lives. It allows them to attend their jobs, college, visit family members or simply leave the house.

We are always speaking about rural regeneration, keeping young people in the area and supporting them with their education. While this is all positive, we need to make sure at the very least that people can get out of their village.

Mullinavat isn't the only area with issues. Urlingford, Johnstown, Freshford have a total population of over 2,200 and 1 in 6 households don't have a car, according to data from the Census.

However the 871 service isn't even in Kilkenny until 8.50am (you better sprint to the office if you’ve a 9am start) and the last direct bus leaves at 5.30pm. There's no service on Sundays.

If you start work at 8am or finish at 6pm you'll be hoping a kind colleague can give you a lift, or you’re in bother.

In Clogh, the first direct bus into Kilkenny is 11.15am. While this is perfect for a relaxed day out, it's not helpful for those working regular hours.

Despite this, some positive steps have been taken in recent times, and they should be commended and recognised.

The Connecting Ireland scheme has brought much needed routes and increased frequency to rural areas. This is an initiative that needs to be continued and expanded.

In Kilkenny City, the KK1 and KK2 buses run roughly every 30 minutes. This provides good service to homes, shops, places of work and the hospital late into the evening.

With over 100 extra services running weekly, there is clearly a demand and hopefully this will continue.

If you use the 891 bus to Kells, Dunnamaggin and Kilmoganny you can get a service that doesn't leave Kilkenny City until after 10pm (6 days a week). This is a great option for many to have!

However, on the 881 (Graignamanagh to Kilkenny) or 882 (New Ross to Kilkenny), the last buses out of Kilkenny leave at around 6pm. This doesn't make sense when Kilkenny is trying to promote a night time economy.

We have cafés, live music, comedy and events running later than ever, but our public transport system isn’t built to support those from rural areas who may wish to support them.

How are people from Freshford/Goresbridge meant to get home after an 8pm gig? Drive, pay extortionate taxi costs or neither, because it’s probably far more practical to just stay at home.

Adding some late-running buses on key routes, especially weekends, would provide extra income for the city and give rural residents equal access to local culture.

We have seen examples of effective local transport. The Lingaun Loop and Barrow Bus have shown us what can be achieved.

While they weren't perfect solutions and require continual investment, they have given us a template for the next stage in Connecting Ireland.

Early running buses to help workers/students, more connections between routes, micro-feeder buses to smaller villages and late running buses to help reflect the culture we want to create.

Most importantly, we need to ensure our current routes aren't lost. As we have seen with Route 4, one decision can cause a huge loss in momentum.

The NTA, Kilkenny County Council and local operators need to work together to create a network based around how we live and work every day.

We aren't asking for a bus to run every 15 mins to every crossroads in the rural areas but there needs to be a sensible compromise.

We all know Kilkenny has a lot to offer but it is time we allowed those without personal transport to actually get around!