October changes to new Kells bus timetable

An announcement regarding changes to the 109 bus service from Kells to Dublin will be made on 16th October, Cllr Oliver Sweeney told a meeting of Kells Town Council last week. The meeting heard that the new timetable, which was introduced last May, had caused consternation in Kells and councillors agreed to seek a meeting with two high-ranking bus Eireann officials who live in the area. The council will also write to the Transport Minister, Leo Varadkar, asking him to meet with councillors, along with Bus Eireann. Bus Eireann had written to the council in response to correspondence from councillors regarding the current timetable. The letter stated that the bus company had submitted a revised proposal for the timetable, with some amendments to the National Transport Authority for consideration and approval. It went on to say that, upon approval, the company would be in a position to meet with the town council. Cllr Sweeney said he had been told an announcement would be made on 16th October. He pointed out that the current timetable had caused a lot of inconvenience and confusion. Cllr Sean Drew said: "We are going to be told what the decision is, but it would have been nice if we, as a council, had some input into the new timetable." Cllr Brian Curran said the timetable introduced a few months ago had caused a lot of upheaval for the people of the town and he agreed that public representatives should have an input. Cllr Brian Collins said Bus Eireann had brought in the last revised timetable and got it wrong, "What is there to say they won't get it wrong when they bring in the new one?" he asked. Cllr Collins said the current timetable was causing a lot of consternation and he suggested they write to the minister, asking him to meet with the council and Bus Eireann on the issue. Cllr Tommy Grimes pointed out that two Kells people were "high up" in Bus Eireann and they should also be contacted.