Locals protest at Dublin Bus offices over changes to three routes

CAMPAIGNERS WHO want to retain three bus routes in the capital held a protest at Dublin Bus headquarters yesterday.

Save the 19 Bus campaigners were joined by local residents served by the numbers 13, 13a and 3 bus routes, whose services are due to be changed.

Up to 50 people took part in the demonstration at the Dublin Bus office in O’Connell Street from both sides of the city.

The event was part of a series of protests against changes in bus transport provision being implemented by Dublin Bus, organised by local residents along with People Before Profit and the United Left Alliance.

The 19 bus serves areas north of Finglas, through Drumcondra, the city centre, Church Street, to Crumlin, Goldenbridge, terminating at Bulfin Road.

The No 3 begins at Larkhill on the northside of the city, travelling through Drumcondra, to the city centre and on to UCD. And the 13 and 13a serves Harristown, Ballymun Road, through Dorset Street to Merrion Square.

Mary Coen, from Old Finglas Road, said it was ridiculous that the 19 bus was being scrapped and the loss of the service would cause hardship. “I’ve had it outside my place for 36 years; all my children used it, now my great-grandchildren use it. It’s terrible to think they won’t allow us any service.”

Mark Lawler, resident of Kilmainham, said despite the signatures of 11,500 commuters and support from 37 elected representatives Dublin Bus and the National Transport Authority were ignoring the wishes of the people.

“We can pay €11,500 for a gift to a man, Michael Fingleton, who has helped get us into this economic mess but when 11,500 people voice their opinions, we ignore them,” he said.

“It’s one rule for the bankers and a kick in the teeth for the people of Dublin.”

Frances Cleary from Whitehall said the No 3 bus had been in place for up to 60 years. She said there was no point in running the service to Parnell Square because it was too dangerous for passengers there.

“They have a people’s charter and they are not honouring that charter,” she added.

Frank Scalzo of the Gateway Residents Association said people living in Shangan and Coultry estates in Ballymun would be badly affected by changes in the 13 while those in Sillogue and Sandyhill would be affected when the 13 bus no longer goes into those estates. Old people and school children would suffer most, he said.

In a statement, Dublin Bus said the changes were part of its Network Direct project, which was the outcome of a review of the entire route network.