Concerns Raised Over Future Late-Night Bus Services in Newcastle

Local Fine Gael TD Emer Higgins and Councillor Shirley O’Hara have raised concerns about the future provision of late-night bus services in Newcastle following the upcoming implementation of the Bus Connects D spine. The current Nitelink service, the 69n, which serves the Newcastle community, is slated for discontinuation.

Higgins stated that “As the Bus Connects programme progresses, it aims to enhance the efficiency and coverage of bus services across the region. So far 24-hour bus routes have been limited to routes traditionally covered by day services, such as the C1 and C2 that serve Lucan, leaving communities like Newcastle, uncertain.

“The replacement of route 68 with the local route L56 has already signalled significant changes in the area's public transport network. However, the introduction of the D Spine raises concerns about the potential discontinuation of vital late-night services to Newcastle, which could impact shift workers, health care workers and those who rely on late night services to get home”.

 Higgins and Cllr O’Hara are actively engaging with the NTA in their planning of the D spine rollout, calling for a comprehensive review.

O’Hara added, "We understand the benefits that the Bus Connects initiative aims to bring to our public transport system. However, these developments must remain inclusive, ensuring no community is left behind, especially when it comes to the provision of essential services like late-night bus routes".