NTA - Aircoach Update

Greystones Councillor Lourda Scott has criticised the National Transport Authority (NTA) for its refusal to engage with local representatives and its failure to provide solutions to the loss of direct public transport between North Wicklow and Dublin Airport.

The decision by Aircoach to withdraw its 702 service has left thousands of residents in Bray, Greystones, Kilcoole, and Delgany without a direct public transport link to the airport. In response, Councillor Scott brought a formal request. through Wicklow County Council and Greystones Municipal District Council for a meeting with the NTA to discuss replacing the service, along with other issues. This was refused. The NTA has also ruled out the possibility of introducing a Public Service Obligation (PSO) route to serve the affected areas.

Speaking on the matter, Scott said:

“The NTA’s reluctance to meet with elected representatives is very disappointing. We are best placed to know the needs of our community yet the very organisation responsible for public transport planning is refusing to engage with us. The NTA attended a Council meeting in October, however that was prior to the cancellation of the Aircoach service and indeed before the issues that have arisen with the new Bus Connects routes. If they are not willing to meet with Councillors in response to these problems, then who are they answering to?”

She also criticised the lack of any concrete plan to replace the lost service, highlighting the significant difficulties now faced by many groups, including airport workers, all of whom relied on a direct and efficient airport link.

 “This is a major public transport gap affecting over 60,000 people, and the NTA has dismissed the issue entirely. Instead of working towards a solution, they are advising residents to take multiple connecting service. Not only is this impossible for those with early morning or late-night flights, but is simply not a viable option for any vulnerable travellers.”

 “North Wicklow is one of the largest commuter areas in the country, and public transport should reflect that. The refusal to engage with those raising the issue is completely unacceptable.”

Cllr Scott is calling on the NTA to reconsider its stance and to properly assess the need for a direct airport connection from North Wicklow.