Scott calls for beach shuttle service

Cathaoirleach of Greystones, Councillor Lourda Scott has called for the introduction of beach shuttle bus services to tackle the ongoing problems with traffic and parking at Wicklow’s beaches.

Speaking after a weekend of gridlock at Brittas Bay and Magheramore, Cllr Scott said the situation is no longer acceptable and needs a clear response from the National Transport Authority.

Cllr Scott says:
“Trying to park at Brittas Bay or Magheramore last weekend was crazy. Car parks were full by early morning and drivers were left circling or abandoning cars wherever they could. I was at Brittas myself last Saturday evening and the carpark was only just freeing up at that time.  It’s the same every summer and yet we still don’t have proper public transport alternatives in place. This not only has issues for emergency services access but also affects locals who are trying to do their daily business.”

“People just want to get to the beach and enjoy the day. It shouldn't be this stressful. I would like to see a pilot beach shuttle scheme for Wicklow with regular services from key towns to Brittas Bay and Magheramore. If this was in place over the summer weekends, it would take pressure off the car parks, reduce traffic on country roads and give people a simple, safe way to get to the beach. It would benefit people without a car as well as bringing more visitors into the towns which is good for business. It works in Wexford. Why not here?”

Cllr Scott has urged the National Transport Authority to act now and introduce pilot beach shuttles in Wicklow before the summer is over.

“We need to make it easier for families, young people and visitors to get to the coast without depending on a car. This is something the NTA could sort quickly. The demand is there. The routes are there. What we need is action, otherwise we will be having the same conversation next summer.”