‘Hugely positive’ - Relief as vital Kilkenny transport route handed lifeline

Fianna Fáil TD for Carlow/Kilkenny, Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere has welcomed the National Transport Authority’s recommendation to introduce a new Public Service Obligation (PSO) on Expressway’s Route 4 service which was set to be discontinued.

The development looks set to protect the Waterford to Dublin Airport  service beyond next month, something which Deputy Cleere called a “transformational step forward” for rural communities across Ireland.

Deputy Cleere said the decision represents a clear recognition of the unique challenges faced by people living outside major urban centres and marks a significant investment in connectivity, accessibility and regional development.

“This is a hugely positive and long-overdue development for rural Ireland,” he outlined. “Reliable and accessible public transport is not a luxury - it is a necessity. This recommendation by the NTA acknowledges that reality and delivers a meaningful solution for communities that have been underserved for far too long.”

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Deputy Cleere, who is also Rural Affairs Spokesperson, emphasised the broader impact the PSO will have on economic growth, social inclusion and quality of life.

“This is huge for rural Ireland. It will open up opportunities for employment, education, healthcare access and social engagement. It ensures that people are no longer isolated simply because of where they live. This is about fairness, equality and giving rural communities the information they deserve,” he said.

Deputy Cleere also took the opportunity to thank the public for their engagement throughout the consultation process, noting that community voices played a vital role in shaping the outcome.

“I want to sincerely thank the public for their input, feedback and advocacy. Their voices were heard loud and clear, and this recommendation reflects the strength of that engagement.”

Deputy Cleere concluded by calling for swift implementation of the PSO to ensure that communities begin to feel the benefits without delay.

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Article funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme