South Drogheda and East Meath Fianna Fáil Councillor Stephen McKee is calling on the National Transport Authority to improve the TFI Local Link Route 188 bus service linking Navan, Duleek, Donore and Drogheda.
McKee stated: ‘The Route 188 bus service directly linking Duleek and Donore to Navan and Drogheda is a fantastic service that benefits many local residents. The Service was introduced following intense lobbying of the NTA on my part for bus services in the area to improve. The old Duleek-Navan service was of great social value in the area, and many people felt very let down by the cutting of the route so it was very pleasing to see the direct link restored.’
‘Nevertheless, improvement can always be made, and in the case of Route 188, there are 2 in particular that I am lobbying for. Though there is an early morning service in operation on the route, there is no matched late evening service to facilitate workers, students, and others who want to travel back to
Duleek from Drogheda. The last bus back to Duleek leaves the bus depot in Drogheda at 8.20pm which is far too early to facilitate the travel needs of many local people.’
‘I am highlighting to the NTA about the need for a later service in the evening between Duleek, Donore and Drogheda to facilitate people coming home from work and also students who may be travelling home.’
‘I am also asking for a designated bus stop at The Reask, Duleek to facilitate local people from Athcarne, The Reask, Deenes, and Gaskinstown areas who use the route. The bus passes this area, and I am encouraged by the response of Local Link who fully support a new official bus stop at this location. I am liasing with the Transport Section of Meath County Council to try and progress this.’
‘The Connecting Ireland Plan is a major national public transport initiative developed by the NTA with the aim of increasing connectivity, particularly for people living outside major cities and towns. It is welcome
that small towns and villages like Duleek and Donore benefit from the Plan’ concluded McKee.
