Sinn Féin TD for Waterford Conor McGuinness and Sinn Féin Councillor Kate O’Mahoney have welcomed the strong public response to their campaign to restore the Bus Éireann stop at Grange, confirming that more than 800 people have now signed the community petition.

The petition will now be presented to the Minister for Transport, while Deputy McGuinness has confirmed he will also raise the matter in the Dáil.

Deputy McGuinness said the response demonstrates the strength of feeling across West Waterford.

“More than 800 people have already signed this petition in a very short space of time. That sends a clear message that this decision is wrong and that people want the Grange bus stop restored.

“The removal of this stop has left people without a vital public transport link. Older people, students, workers and those travelling to medical appointments are all affected. Rural communities should not lose essential services because Governments have failed to deliver the road safety improvements that should have been completed years ago.

“The next step is to bring this campaign directly to the Minister for Transport. I will also be raising the issue in the Dáil to ensure the voices of local people are heard loud and clear. We will continue pressing Bus Éireann, Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the Minister until this decision is reversed.”

Councillor Kate O’Mahoney said the petition shows that local communities are united in demanding action.

“The level of support has been remarkable. People from Grange, Ardmore, Piltown and right across West Waterford have stood together because they know how important this bus stop is.

“This is about access to work, education, healthcare and everyday life. Communities should not have to fight to keep basic public transport services. We are determined to keep this campaign going until the stop is reinstated.”

Deputy McGuinness and Councillor O’Mahoney said the campaign will now move to the next stage, with the petition to be formally submitted to the Minister for Transport alongside continued political pressure in the Dáil and through engagement with the relevant agencies.

The petition will remain open, and members of the public are encouraged to continue adding their names to support the campaign to restore the Grange bus stop.

Sign the petition here: www.Change.org/RestoreOurBusStop

“The message from the community is simple,” they said. “Restore the Grange bus stop.”