AN announcement by Dublin Coach that it is to suspend its routes from Limerick City to University of Limerick and Annacotty, with just a week’s notice, is the cause of serious concern among commuters in the Castletroy/Annacotty area.
That’s according to Limerick City East Labour Party councillor Elena Secas who said that the Castletroy area is one of the fastest growing areas in Munster and it will now be left without a bus service.
“There are around 1,000 new homes being built in Annacotty, we have a few schools in the area and we have got a much needed approval for an extension to Castletroy College.
“Students and residents on Groody Road, as well as employees of Northern Trust and other businesses on the Ballysimon Road rely on the bus service to get to work, university or the city centre. There is a new secondary school under construction, as well as planning permission for a new private hospital on Groody Road.”
“How can these areas be left without any bus service?” Cllr Secas asked.
“These areas are full of young families, students and an increasing number of elderly people who deserve good public transport.”
“I have previously asked Bus Eireann to extend their 304a route to include Newtown, the route from Monaleen School to Super Valu, Groody Road and Ballysimon Road. I have been told that this wouldn’t happen given that there is a private operator serving these areas.
“If we had public transport serving these areas, residents would not be in this position now, left with no bus service at all. This is simply not good enough. Bus Eireann services every other suburb of Limerick so why not all of Castletroy?
“With increasing fuel costs, many more are considering looking at alternative ways to get to work or school. If we are serious about moving away from a car-dominated city, we need a public transport service to cater for the big population in Castletroy/Annacotty,” Cllr Secas added.
