Call to reverse ‘unacceptable’ plan to cut bus services in Cork city

There was a strong focus on public transport at this week’s full meeting of Cork City Council as several motions relating to bus and Luas services were made.

Solidarity-People Before Profit Councillor Brian McCarthy proposed the council calls on Bus Éireann to immediately reverse “unacceptable” planned cuts to the 202, 202a, 205, 208, and 220 services.

The changes, which will see 872 fewer bus journeys each week and 152 fewer buses daily from Monday to Friday in Cork city, come into effect on Sunday and are expected to last at least 12 weeks.

They are being brought in as the bus company has a 16-driver shortfall combined with 11 drivers in training school, a total service delivery shortfall of 27 drivers.

A Bus Éireann spokesperson told The Echo: “The changes to frequency on routes with amended temporary timetables will result in an approximate reduction in driver requirement of 25, which means Capwell depot will be operating at full headcount.”

Labour Party councillor for Cork City South Central Peter Horgan tabled a motion at the meeting proposing the council write to the NTA to request a walkthrough briefing of plans for an emerging preferred route for the Cork Luas and associated Bus-Connects intersections in all areas affected. Mr Horgan requested an in-person walkthrough with the NTA which could be attended by all interested public representatives, so they could have a better understanding of the routes for the Cork Luas and Bus Connects.

His party colleague Laura Harmon, councillor for the South West Ward, proposed the council write to the Garda Commissioner and minister for transport requesting the deployment of a transport police section for Cork bus services.

This would protect public transport workers and commuters from antisocial behaviour, she said, referring to the fact that security has been introduced on Dublin Bus.

Ms Harmon also proposed that the council writes to the minister for transport to seek a permanent seat on the board of the NTA for Cork City Council chief executive Valerie O’Sullivan, in order to represent Cork’s interests in public transport.

The NTA is governed by a board of up to 12 members who are appointed by the minister for transport, and includes the Dublin City manager.

Ms Harmon said that as Ireland’s second city, Cork should also be represented on the board to avoid decisions about Cork being made in Dublin.

All motions were approved by the council.