Kilkenny councillor slams the removal of local bus service
Cllr Maurice Shortall described the move as 'disgraceful'
North Kilkenny councillor, Maurice Shortall has labelled the removal of the Castlecomer leg of the JJ Kavanagh & Sons 717 Clonmel–Dublin service as 'disgraceful'.
The Kilkenny owned bus service announced it will be streamlining the service to 'enhance' passengers' travel experience and speed up journeys.
Beginning on Monday, April 7, the route will serve MacDonagh Station in Kilkenny City but cease stops at the Glendine Inn and in Castlecomer (Harringtons Bookmakers).
However, the move has been slammed by the independent councillor.
"JJ Kavanagh & Sons pulling their service completely from Castlecomer in April. No direct bus to Dublin City and no direct bus to the airport.
"Kilkenny MacDonagh Station cited as a 'key stop' to get to Dublin City. There's eight trains a day to Dublin from MacDonagh, nine Green Bus services to Dublin and already ten JJ Kavanagh services to Dublin City," he commented.
"Disgraceful, I'll be writing to them immediately."
JJ Kavanagh & Sons offered their justification for the change on their website: "We believe these changes will benefit most passengers.
"While we realise these changes may be disruptive to some, these changes will no doubt deliver a faster, more consistent, and altogether more extra-ordinary journey for the vast majority of our passengers.
"Your confidence fuels our commitment to excellence, and these enhancements are our way of continuing our effort to repay that trust. By providing you with a more convenient and efficient travel experience, we’re making sure every journey with JJ Kavanagh is one you can rely on," they added. - MORE INFORMATION