BusConnects routes into Clare ’frustrating people’ with delays until 2028 - Clare Echo

COUNCILLORS have called for a briefing from BusConnects on planned routes serving communities across the Shannon Municipal District, amid frustration over delays to their implementation.

The issue was raised by Cllr Rachel Hartigan (FF) at the September meeting of the Shannon Municipal District.

In a written Notice of Motion, Cllr Hartigan called for the MD to write to BusConnects requesting a briefing on planned routes extending from Limerick over the Clare border to Westbury, Shannonbanks, Parteen and Ardnacrusha.

She also called for the routes to be implemented this year, saying they had originally been planned for 2025 but had been delayed until 2028.

In a written response, Senior Executive Officer Suzie Clifford said: “Shannon Municipal District will write to BusConnects to request an update on this.”

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Hartigan said the BusConnects routes were “vital” for this side of the county.

She said the existing service to Ardnacrusha was “really inadequate” and that more suitable and regular routes would encourage more people to use public transport.

Cllr Hartigan said the phased approach to the routes meant they were now three years behind the original timeline.

She described the delay as “frustrating people locally” and said it was having an impact on people trying to access Limerick city.

Cllr Hartigan said she understood the delay was related to funding but did not know what the issue was.

Cathaoirleach of the Shannon Municipal District Cllr Michael Begley (IND) supported the motion.

He said the current services “inconvenience people more than they convenience” and referred to people having to walk significant distances to access public transport.

Cllr John Crowe (FG) also supported the motion and referred to a meeting with Bus Éireann a couple of years ago, saying the service at the time had been “basically non-existent”.

He said the meeting had resulted in improvements and that it would be useful to have BusConnects representatives meet with councillors to hear about local issues.

Cllr James Ryan (SF) said there were a lot of buses serving Westbury and Shannonbanks in the past but that the level of service had since reduced.

He said the area had a Local Link service but that a proper bus service would be welcome.

Cllr Ryan said a reliable and predictable service in Clonlara could also help reduce traffic levels.

Cllr Tony Mulcahy (FG) supported the proposal and said it was appropriate to ask BusConnects representatives to attend a meeting.

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