Public Transport
Seanad Éireann — 2026-03-19
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Fiona O'Loughlin (FF), Administrative Panel

I thank the Minister of State for being here to take this Commencement matter, which relates to the need for a dedicated town bus for Newbridge and its environs. I want to outline first why Newbridge, one of the fastest growing towns not just in County Kildare but, indeed, in the country, urgently requires a dedicated local bus service to serve those who live within the town and, of course, those who visit it for work, leisure or to shop. Newbridge is now a major regional centre. It is home to a large population of almost 30,000 people. There are significant employment zones in Newbridge. Again, it is a major retail destination. We have a very busy commuter rail station. Despite all of that, it remains one of the few towns of its size without an internal bus network linking neighbourhoods to people who really would avail of that every single day. The result is a really strong car dependency that genuinely is no longer sustainable for residents, businesses or the town's future development. Residents in areas such as Roseberry, Athgarvan Road, Greatconnell, Clongorey and the expanding northern and eastern estates have no reliable way to reach the train stations, schools, industrial estates or shopping centre without a car. I regularly speak to people who are living in Newbridge, but they are living 3 km to 4 km from the railway station. They have no choice but to have second car to be able to get there. There are barriers, therefore, when we do not have a bus for that really important connectivity we need for young people, older people, people with disabilities and anyone who simply cannot afford to have a car. It also places a lot of pressure on families who have to organise multiple daily car trips just to access essential services.
The absence of a bus also has wider consequences. Congestion in the town centre has become a daily challenge. With the news over the last few weeks that we are hoping to commence construction of the second bridge in 2027, that might ease slightly. However, the parking demand at the train station regularly exceeds capacity. Short car trips dominate the local traffic pattern and many of these journeys could be shifted to public transport if a dependable service existed. It is not just an inconvenience. It undermines the town's ability to grow sustainably and to meet national climate and transport targets.
A local bus service would not simply be a transport upgrade; it would be an investment in social inclusion, economic opportunity and sustainable growth for one of Ireland's most important regional towns. Two weeks ago, I attended the event with the National Transport Authority, NTA, in Buswells Hotel, taking the opportunity, obviously, to discuss progress and potential expansions we can make to improve the status of transport within Newbridge and connecting Newbridge to neighbouring villages and towns. I was told that, finally, the town bus for Newbridge is in planning stages and other important information. I want again to highlight this. I have been an active advocate for a dedicated town bus. I have no doubt the service would be used and used well. I really hope the Minister of State can today bring me some positive news on this.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-03-19/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:45+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-03-19