Louth TD Highlights Issues with 100X Dublin Airport Bus Service
Sinn Féin TD Ruairí Ó Murchú has brought attention to the problems with the 100X Dundalk to Dublin bus service, specifically highlighting the short-notice cancellations that have been affecting commuters. Speaking at Leinster House, Deputy Ó Murchú addressed these concerns during a Topical Issue debate with Transport Minister Eamon Ryan.
Deputy Ó Murchú pointed out that his office had been inundated with complaints about the service, particularly regarding cancellations that occurred between May 17 and 20. During this period, early morning services at 6:30 am and 8:30 am were cancelled with notifications only posted on the Bus Éireann website after 7 am, which was too late for many commuters.
“This is a big deal for people. Last-minute cancellations like this are unacceptable,” Deputy Ó Murchú said. He also noted that five out of the eight double-decker buses servicing the route were in the garage at one time, forcing Bus Éireann to rely on private contractors to fill the gap.
Deputy Ó Murchú highlighted the aging fleet as a significant issue, with some buses over 12 years old and having clocked over a million miles, leading to frequent breakdowns. He emphasized that the 100X service is crucial for residents of Dundalk and Drogheda, especially for those traveling to Dublin Airport, citing environmental benefits and the avoidance of airport parking fees. However, reliability remains a significant concern.
In response, Minister Ryan stated that while the day-to-day operations of bus services fall under the National Transport Authority (NTA) and not the Department of Transport, he acknowledged the specific problems that occurred in May. He noted that 99.8% of 100X services run to schedule but admitted there had been a higher-than-usual number of breakdowns during the cited period.
Minister Ryan also pointed out the broader issue of recruitment difficulties faced by Bus Éireann and other companies, with a need for 12 mechanics across the State, including five at the Broadstone depot. He mentioned that a significant recruitment campaign is underway to address these shortages. Additionally, there has been a 20% increase in the number of bus passengers in the State since 2019.
Deputy Ó Murchú described the situation as “frightening,” referencing the poor condition of some buses and warning that unreliable service would drive people back to using their cars.
For ongoing updates and further details, visit the Ardee Post news page.
