Support prevents suspension of Bawnogue bus service

GARDAI praised the support they received from South Dublin County Council in January, which helped to prevent the suspension of a local bus route.

Dublin Bus drivers agreed to pause the planned suspension of evening services on the number 13 route in Bawnogue, which has been plagued by anti-social behaviour.

Drivers raised “safety concerns” over incidents such as stones being thrown at buses, as well as a log set on fire and thrown onto a bus.

The suspension of the service, if it went through, would have seen no evening services to Bawnogue after 6pm, but negotiations between drivers, union representatives and local authorities kept the service going.

Speaking at the JPC Policing meeting, Clondalkin Inspector Paul Mayock acknowledged the support they received from South Dublin County Council “in relation to the threat of a withdrawal of services by Dublin Bus in Clondalkin.”

“It was very live whereby the drivers had intended to pull out on a given date and we entered into negotiations, increased patrols, to alleviate their fears.

“Great work by Noreen Byrne (Local Police Forum/Community Safety Forum Coordinator) for being on board and Maire from SDCC as well.”

Insp Mayock said there has been a “reinvigoration” of the local area Dublin Bus forum, of which they will be meeting with on a monthly basis.

“They are launching new initiatives in the area including a recruitment drive whereby your uncle’s driving the bus, you mightn’t attack it,” said Insp Mayock.