Drogheda Bus Station. Photo: Colin Bell Photography
Drogheda Independent
Yesterday at 07:00
Concerns are mounting over local bus services in Drogheda, with Labour TD Ged Nash and Mayor of Drogheda Michelle Hall both calling for urgent action from the National Transport Authority (NTA) and Bus Éireann to review recent route changes that have left older residents isolated.
Deputy Nash criticised what he described as the “intransigence” of the NTA and Bus Éireann over their refusal to compromise on the 173 town service, which has stopped serving Brookville estate.
“The NTA and Bus Éireann must change course in relation to their decision to essentially take a part of a vital bus service away from residents in Brookville estate in Drogheda, many of whom are older people,” Deputy Nash said.
The NTA has said the change was necessary because parked cars in the estate make the road too narrow for buses to access safely. But Deputy Nash said the decision was “short-sighted and dismissive” of the people affected.
“This is a long-established and well-settled estate with a large number of elderly residents who depend on public transport to get around and run essential errands,” he said. “The NTA say the D4 bus will provide an alternative, but this will mean a considerable walk for some residents to connect with that route.”
Residents proposed that an alternative bus stop for the 173 be located at the entrance to the estate — a compromise Deputy Nash described as “viable and simple”. However, he said this suggestion was dismissed outright.
“I wrote to the NTA twice on behalf of the residents affected, proposing this solution, but they have refused to engage meaningfully,” he said. “While they’ve agreed to add a stop at the hospital, they have not considered a 173 stop at Brookville’s entrance. Keeping the matter ‘under review’ is not good enough.”
Mayor Michelle Hall also raised wider concerns about accessibility and service gaps on the 173, saying that passengers travelling from Ballsgrove are currently required to get off the bus on Dominic Street and walk uphill to re-board at St Peter’s Church to continue to Moneymore.
“Many are elderly and have physical impairments. This seems like madness and not a customer-focused service at all,” she said. “Public transport for people living in Drogheda needs to improve, and we need a service that runs beyond 7pm — which at the moment it doesn’t.”
The NTA have been approached for comment.