Sinn Féin TD for Waterford Conor D. McGuinness has criticised the Minister for Transport for taking a hands-off approach to the loss of the Bus Éireann Route 40 service in Grange, County Waterford.

Deputy McGuinness has again sought answers from the Minister, calling on him and his Department to work with Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Bus Éireann, Waterford City and County Council and other stakeholders to restore the service.

Deputy McGuinness said:

“The Minister’s response is disappointing but not surprising. Rather than taking responsibility or working to find a solution, he has simply passed the buck to Bus Éireann. This has become the standard Fianna Fáil response and it is wearing very thin. 

“People in Grange and the surrounding communities have lost access to an important public transport service. They deserve better than a Minister who washes his hands of the problem.

“The Government has failed to invest in the safety upgrades needed on the N25, and now the Minister is refusing to take any meaningful action to resolve the situation.

“This is another example of rural communities being ignored. Public transport is essential for people living in rural Waterford. The Minister cannot simply stand back and leave communities to deal with the consequences.

“I have repeatedly sought action on this issue, and I will continue to do so until we get a proper response and a clear plan to restore the service.

“Local Sinn Féin Councillor Kate O’Mahoney has been working alongside me to highlight the impact this decision is having on Grange and the surrounding areas. I want to acknowledge her efforts and the determination of everyone involved in the campaign.

“Kate and I will continue to push this issue, both locally and at national level. We need the Minister to bring the relevant agencies together, address the safety concerns and find a way to get the bus service back to Grange.

“People in rural Waterford deserve safe roads, reliable public transport and a Government willing to take responsibility. They are getting none of those things in this case.”