The Pat Kenny Show Outrage from Chapelizod locals over the new BusConnects routes
Nov 24, 2025
Jen Cummins, a Social Democrat TD for Dublin South-Central, spearheaded a public meeting to address community outrage over the new BusConnects routes. Sabrina Mendez, a local resident and regular bus user, shares alarming accounts of travel disruptions since the route changes. They discuss the longer, complex commutes, missed appointments, and accessibility issues, especially for parents and students. With the community feeling disconnected, Jen warns of a potential rise in car use as frustrations grow.
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Longer Commutes And Packed Transfers
- Sabrina Mendez describes journeys that now require at least two buses and add 30–45 minutes to commutes.
- She says connecting buses are often full and apps show arrivals that never materialise.
NTA Cites Capacity And Infrastructure Limits
- The NTA acknowledged operational issues and cited driver shortages, traffic and incomplete bus lanes as causes.
- They say they're discussing performance with operators but offer no immediate fixes, leaving commuters stranded.
Real-Life Harms: Missed Doctors And Detentions
- Sabrina recounts students and parents facing extreme delays, missed appointments and detentions due to unreliable buses.
- She gives examples like a parent waiting over an hour in the rain and missing a doctor appointment with a baby.