Withdrawal of bus services from West Tallaght has been called off
The withdrawal of bus services from West Tallaght has been called off by unions, following an emergency meeting with Dublin Bus on this morning (Friday).
As reported by The Echo on numerous occasions, the ongoing issue of antisocial behaviour in areas such as Brookfield, Killinarden and Jobstown put multiple bus routes in jeopardy, as SIPTU and the National Bus and Rail Union (NBRU) said the safety of drivers and passengers was at risk.
On Thursday, the NBRU threatened to terminate the 27, 77a and 65b bus routes at the Square from 6pm in rolling stoppages next Monday, Wednesday and Friday – with services being permanently withdrawn from Sunday, September 17, if an emergency meeting did not take place.
However, at an 8am meeting on Friday morning between Dublin Bus management and union reps, a Code of Practice was drawn up to deal with antisocial incidents, including scutting and missiles being thrown at buses.
While buses are running as normal in West Tallaght, a number of measures have been introduced for drivers in the event of a future incident that warrants a withdrawal of service.
These measures include alternative terminuses for buses targeted –
77a and 65b to Citywest
‘Should an incident warranting withdrawal of service from N81 past Jobstown House/Kiltalown – buses will be directed to terminate in Killinarden Heights (rear of Jobstown House).’
‘Should an incident warranting withdrawal of service from Seskin View Road on route 77a, buses will be directed to operate via N81 to Tallaght Village and then back on route.’
‘Should an incident warranting withdrawal of service from Killinarden – buses will be directed to operate via Whitestown Way, Tallaght Stadium, N81 and back on route.’
27 from Clare Hall to Jobstown
In the event of an incident on the 27 from Clare Hall to Jobstown, the bus will operate via the N81 to terminate at Killinarden Heights (rear of the Jobstown House pub).
56A
According to the code of practice, the 56a from Ringsend to the Square will operate to the Square via the Cookstown Way to the Square if an incident occurred on Cheeverstown Road.
65
This route is not included in the new measures however it is being monitored and will be discussed if need be.
According to the Code of Practice drawn up at this morning’s meeting, buses damaged by antisocial behaviour “must be sent to the Garda station in Tallaght [and] the driver should point out any damage to the investigating Garda”.
All incidents of anti-social behaviour must be recorded by the radio controller, with all reports submitted by the driver within 24 hours.
In the event of an incident, the driver will inform the controller and curtailments will be put in place.
The code also states that buses will be withdrawn for the entire night if an incident occurs after 8pm.
The NBRU’s threat came after its request for an emergency meeting with gardai and local councillors went unanswered.
However, the NBRU said that due to major media coverage, a meeting with the gardai, local councillors, management and the unions has now been arranged for Monday morning, September 11.
Sean Yeates is the NBRU rep in the Ringsend bus garage.
He said: “NBRU had insisted that gardai and councils would attend an emergency meeting also and as this was not forthcoming, the notice was issued of withdrawal of services was issued.”
He added: “Also, the staff car will be in situ in the Jobstown and Killinarden areas for the weekend.
“As this has fulfilled our initial requests the threat of withdrawal has now been put on hold.”
The NBRU wished to thank Ringsend bus garage operations manager Paul Larkin and Tallaght gardai.
