Calls for urgent review of Carlow Town Bus Service

AN URGENT review of Carlow Town Bus Service has been called for as questions persist about the possibility of a third route, greater access to Carlow Train Station and the whereabouts of the town’s previously-promised electric buses.

At a recent meeting of Carlow Municipal District, cllr Andrea Dalton pointed out that the very successful town bus was now two years’ old and there was “supposed to be a review of the bus routes”.

“At the launch, NTA committed to a review, in particular of the routes, as there are certain areas that are not serviced enough. This has not happened yet,” she added.

Cllr Dalton also pointed out that Carlow had received old buses – “cast-off from Athlone” – and asked where were the new electric buses Carlow was promised.

Cllr Ken Murnane pointed out that Athlone, a smaller town than Carlow, had a fully electric bus service and agreed with cllr Dalton that the NTA had committed to a review of the bus service at its launch. Cllr Murnane also raised the issue of the town bus service accessing Carlow Train Station, indicating that this would be one of the issues that should be reviewed.

He also asked council officials about progress in securing car-park facilities “at the back of the train station” as previously mooted.

Cllr Fintan Phelan stressed the need for “decent and reasonable car-parking facilities and bus service” in the town. He added that currently by 8am the car park at the train station was full. “You can’t get parking at that stage,” said cllr Phelan.

Director of services Kieran Cullinane confirmed that a series of discussions had been held in relation to accessing the bus service for the other side of railway station and that this would be subject to funding and planning permission.

“Planning permission by Iarnród Eireann still not lodged,” confirmed Mr Cullinane.