Decision made on future of two Waterford bus routes after shock announcement
The NTA has been examining the services from Waterford to Dublin Airport and Rosslare
A decision has been made on the future of two Waterford bus routes after Bus Éireann previously announced that it would withdraw two of its existing services.
Route 40, which runs from Waterford to Dublin Airport, and Route 4, which runs from Waterford to Rosslare, are both due to cease on May 24.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has since been examining its public service obligation in relation to the two routes.
Labour councillor Thomas Phelan spoke on the subject at the May plenary meeting of Waterford City and County Council.
Cllr Phelan said: “At last month’s meeting, a motion that I proposed passed in relation to bus routes 40 and 4.
“Just in terms of an update since then, the NTA has determined that Route 4 from Waterford to Dublin does require a public service obligation, but unfortunately they haven’t decided the same for the other route, from Waterford to Rosslare.
“Maybe we could possibly write to them and say that we feel that they’re wrong and that there should be a public service obligation, should we retain the full activity between Waterford and Rosslare.”
In response to Cllr Phelan, the Deputy Mayor of Waterford, Cllr John Pratt, said that the council would adhere to the request of his party colleague and write a letter to the NTA.
Bus Éireann’s decision to withdraw Routes 40 and 4 has been met with widespread dismay from local representatives since it was announced last month.
Cllr Phelan said the decision “beggars belief” given the importance of the two routes, whilst Cllr Pratt said that it was “despicable”.