Stone-throwing thugs force 79/A bus off route

By Maurice Garvey

BUS services were temporarily suspended in Ballyfermot twice over the last week – the 79/A service once again targeted by youths, reports Maurice Garvey.

On Monday morning, youths threw rocks at the bus, forcing it to temporarily curtail its service in the Cherry Orchard area.

Dublin Bus responded to a customer on Monday – through its official Twitter account – that the 12.55pm service was curtailed due to an operational issue, but the next bus due in Croftwood was the 1.20pm service.

On Friday, Dublin Bus said the 79/A was unable to serve Kylemore and Decies Road for approximately one hour from 1.30pm, and buses were diverted via Ballyfermot Road.

Unfortunately, it is not the first time the route has been targeted by vandals.

@gardainfo Dublin bus pulling out routes 79 79a Ballyfermot as of now, youths throwing bricks at the buses.

— Maureen O’Brien (@gingerspiceOB) August 22, 2016

Multiple incidents of anti-social behaviour have affected the 79/A service over the last number of years – with the route withdrawn, or suspended at various times due to vandalism.

In 2013, Dublin Bus made a public appeal in Ballyfermot Civic Centre amid fears the service could be disbanded.

Trade union agreements withdraw the service for one hour after an incident is reported.

If a second incident is reported on the same day, the service is withdrawn for the night.

In some incidents, the cut-off switch has been vandalised – a vital part of the bus which requires mechanical attention if it has been tampered with.

The route links the city centre with Spiddal Road, via Cherry Orchard Avenue, Clifden Road, Kylemore Road, Decies Road and Sarsfield Road.