Minister for Transport accused of ‘hands-off approach’ to Waterford bus stop
Waterford TD Conor McGuinness made the comments in relation to the loss of the Grange bus stop on the N25
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien has been accused of having a “hands off approach” to a bus stop in County Waterford.
Waterford Sinn Féin TD Conor McGuinness made the comments in relation to the loss of the Route 40 bus stop at Grange.
Deputy McGuinness said: “The minister’s response is disappointing but not surprising.
“Rather than taking responsibility or working to find a solution, he has simply passed the buck to Bus Éireann.
“This has become the standard Fianna Fáil response and it is wearing very thin.
“People in Grange and the surrounding communities have lost access to an important public transport service. They deserve better than a minister who washes his hands of the problem.”
He argued that the loss of the bus stop is another example of how rural communities in Waterford and across the country are being ignored.
“The Government has failed to invest in the safety upgrades needed on the N25, and now the minister is refusing to take any meaningful action to resolve the situation.
“This is another example of rural communities being ignored. Public transport is essential for people living in rural Waterford.
“The minister cannot simply stand back and leave communities to deal with the consequences.”
Deputy McGuinness acknowledged the work of his party colleague, Cllr Kate O’Mahoney, in advocating for the reinstatement of the bus stop.
“Local Sinn Féin councillor Kate O’Mahoney has been working alongside me to highlight the impact this decision is having on Grange and the surrounding areas.
“I want to acknowledge her efforts and the determination of everyone involved in the campaign.”
He concluded by saying that himself and Cllr O’Mahoney will continue to call for action on the issue.
“Kate and I will continue to push this issue, both locally and at national level.
“We need the minister to bring the relevant agencies together, address the safety concerns and find a way to get the bus service back to Grange.
“People in rural Waterford deserve safe roads, reliable public transport and a Government willing to take responsibility.”
“They are getting none of those things in this case,” Deputy McGuinness added.