80. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Transport when the promised increase on bus route 132 will finally happen, given the increased traffic volumes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63503/25]

Sentiment score: 0.24

The only public transport from most of west Wicklow to Dublin is the 132 bus. We have no trains. It travels only four times daily, with the last bus leaving Baltinglass at 3 o’clock and the last leaving Dublin at 5.30 p.m. Last April, I met officials of the NTA and was told a very significant increased service – representing a doubling – was happening later in the month. Nothing has happened since. This is exceedingly frustrating.

Sentiment score: -0.04

All those things are wonderful around the country, but they are having zero impact on the 132 service. After much correspondence, the NTA is now saying this cannot progress as the Department of Transport has placed a hold on uncommitted expenditure for new public transport services. Can this issue be resolved? Many people have approached me saying they would use the service but cannot because of the limited timetable. The last bus leaves Baltinglass at 3 o’clock in the afternoon and the last leaves Dublin at 5.30 p.m. In fact, there is now a proposal to abolish a Thursday service from Carnew, which joins this route in Baltinglass. Therefore, the service is actually being reduced. The Department advises that it and the NTA are currently engaging in relation to funding the PSO programme. The Minister is saying funding is not a problem. To say I am deeply frustrated is an understatement. Can we please get to the bottom of this?

Sentiment score: 0.02

I thank the Minister of State. I welcome the possibility of engaging with him further on the matter. Another issue I have had is that many people contacted me complaining about the reliability of the service due to cancellations. Recently, I received a text describing how 20 people waited at the bus stop for the 9.40 a.m. 132 bus to Dublin, but it did not show up again. That is 20 people whose day and plans were ruined. If there is an issue, can a back-up plan be put in place? Another issue, which I have witnessed myself, one that is unforgivable, is buses departing earlier than the scheduled time and people missing them as a result. There must be zero tolerance for this.

Sentiment score: 0.02