Galway TDs have argued for the retention of the bus stop in Mervue, arguing that it is an essential service for older people living in the area.
Speaking in the Daíl, Galway West TD Mairéad Farrell said that a proposal to get rid of the bus is of great concern to the local residents.
The stop could be removed as part of the BusConnects project, which aims to completely redesign public transport in the city.
“It is part of this concept that buses should go through quickly but this bus stop is being used by the elderly community in Mervue, day in, day out, and if people go to Mervue, they will always see it being used.”
“That is an element of concern for me simply because we want more people to use the service. This is something that is already being used so let us not take it away,” Mairéad Farrell said.
Deputy Eamon Ó Cuív spoke in support of the plea, stating that “the demographic has to be taken into account” when considering removing bus stops.
He added that an older demographic cannot be treated the same way as a younger generation when taking bus stops away.
The Fianna Fáil TD also raised concerns about planning permission being refused for housing developments because of a lack of bus services for the area.
Minister of State Jack Chambers said that he would reflect on their feedback on the Mervue bus stop, and take it to the NTA.
“The intention of a network redesign is not to take away transport connectivity from people who have it at present. We will reflect what has been said to the National Transport Authority.”
