Louth Labour TD, Ged Nash has slammed the NTA and Bus Eireann for its failure to compromise on changes to a local bus route that will seriously impact a significant number of residents of Drogheda.

Deputy Nash said: “The NTA and Bus Eireann 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 expressed his frustration at what he called the ”intransigence of the NTA and Bus Eireann”.

He explained: “The number 173 bus that used to take in the estate has been withdrawn from the area because Bus Eireann and the NTA say parked cars are restricting the road space available and making the estate inaccessible for the bus.

“This is a long-established and well-settled estate in the town and consequently there are a large number of elderly residents in the estate who depend on public transport to get around the town and run essential errands.

“The NTA say that the D4 bus will provide an alternative for these residents but this will mean a considerable walk for some residents, to connect with this route.”

Deputy Nash said: “The residents, accepting that it is difficult for the bus to get around the estate, have proposed a viable and simple alternative which has been dismissed out of hand by the NTA.

“On behalf of the residents discommoded by these changes, I wrote to the NTA twice, suggesting that an alternative bus stop for the 173 route be provided at the entrance of the estate.

“The suggestion was ignored by the NTA who is sticking to their guns that the D4 will provide the alternative route for local residents. They have agreed to add a stop at the hospital but have not engaged at all with the proposal to provide an extra 173 stop at the entrance to Brookville.”

He added: “While the NTA have committed to keeping the changes “under review” over the next number of months, I and the residents affected are wholly unsatisfied with this outcome and I am calling on the NTA to actively consider the helpful compromise suggested by residents and provide a much-needed bus stop at the entrance to Brookville estate.”