Independent Candidate calls for retention of Laois Bus Service

Elaine Mullally Calls for Reinstatement of Portarlington–Kildare Village Bus Service

Independent candidate for Laois, Elaine Mullally, has called on Dublin Coach to reconsider its decision to cancel the Portarlington–Kildare Village bus service. The cancellation, announced earlier this week, has sparked concern among local residents, particularly those who depend on the route to travel to work in Kildare Village and Kildare Town.

Mullally criticised the decision, describing it as “deeply disappointing” at a time when public transport is being promoted as a sustainable alternative to car travel. “This cancellation could leave some workers unable to commute, potentially costing them their jobs,” she said. “It also sends the wrong message about supporting public transport and reducing car dependency.”

Mullally acknowledged that declining passenger numbers may have contributed to the decision but argued that this decline is partly due to ongoing reliability issues and the condition of some older buses. “If Dublin Coach improved the reliability of the service and invested in better buses, passenger numbers would likely increase,” she said.

The Independent candidate has called for the route to be reinstated immediately and pledged to actively promote the service within the local community if it is restored. She has also appealed to Dublin Coach to extend the service at least until January, to give affected passengers time to arrange alternative transport or find new employment.

“Pulling the plug on this service just before the busy Christmas period is particularly harsh,” Mullally said. “If the service cannot be maintained long-term, Dublin Coach should at least give passengers a reasonable transition period.”

Mullally concluded by urging Dublin Coach to prioritise the needs of the local community and work towards a solution that balances passenger needs with operational sustainability.