Clinics with National Transport Authority suggested by Kildare councillor

The National Transport Authority (NTA) should set up consultation clinics with local councillors.

That’s according to Independent Cllr Pádraig McEvoy, who made the suggestion at the latest Clane-Maynooth Municipal District meeting, which was held on Friday, May 5 last.

She made the comments during a motion put forward at the meeting by Fianna Fáil Cllr Paul Ward, who urged Kildare County Council (KCC) 'to contact Bus Eireann and the NTA to request an additional bus stop to service the 115C Service for the following areas Garadice, Coole, Moynalvey and Summerhill in response to the removal of the stop at Hattons, Garadice and Kilcock.'

His motion was seconded by his party colleague, Cllr Daragh Fitzpatrick.

Cllr Ward told KCC that it seemed like the committee 'was banging against a door that is not opening for us.'

He added that a lot of locals were becoming frustrated at the lack of progress, especially since 'we are trying to encourage people to use buses more.'

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Cllr Pádraig McEvoy agreed with him, adding: "I understand that the NTA is, to an extent, also stuck in the same position as us."

However, he pointed to the recent decision by the Welsh government, in which dozens of road building projects across the country were halted or amended, after failing a climate review.

He then suggested thatclinics should be set up in order to consult with the NTA, similar to those operated with Irish Water / Uisce Éireann.

This suggestion was welcomed by Labour Party Cllr Angela Feeney, in addition to Green Party Cllr Peter Hamilton.

Fine Gael Cllr Tim Durkan also suggested for KCC to write to Meath County Council about the bus stop issue, in relation to the Kilcock area.

In response, KCC said: "The Sustainable Transport Section will contact the elected member directly to discuss the issues and the relevant authorities will then be contacted."

A representative present at the meeting added: "(The potential for) clinics seem like a good option, we will look into them."