The proposed scrapping of the 70 bus service under BusConnects represents a downgrade in public transport for Littlepace residents. This is a direct commuter service into the city centre, operating with reasonable frequency at peak times and then once per hour during the day. Under BusConnects, peak-time services would remain direct but during the day, they would be replaced with a connection at the Blanchardstown centre. I met the National Transport Authority, NTA, a month ago and it said the community will have access to a more frequent service. However, this is coming at the cost of a direct service. The community should have the final say on this. It is its service, not the NTA's. The NTA should learn from similar outcries in communities such as Chapelizod and Finglas and meet the residents now. Otherwise, we are heading towards the same pattern of community resistance and frustration at decisions being imposed instead of discussed. I ask the Minister to encourage the NTA to meet residents now while trust and goodwill remains, not after they have been lost.

Sentiment score: 0.02