A shortage of mechanics has curtailed bus services for the public

A shortage of mechanics has curtailed an expansion of bus services in west Wicklow.

Local councillor Edward Timmins said that according to Dublin Bus it has struggled to recruit mechanics - although a large number drivers have been taken on by the company.

He was one of a group of councillors who met with DB concerning the 65 and 65A bus services.

The 65A is a new service that will run from Blessington to Tallaght twice a day and once from Tallaght to Blessington.

The 65 bus links Blessington and with Dublin city centre with a partial service to Ballymore..

Cllr Timmins said DB have now made progress finding mechanics. This shortage of mechanics limited their ability to expand services.”

He said there are four new buses on the 65 route and he called for a more regular service to Tallaght “as that was what many people wanted.”

He added that DB indicated they will monitor the new arrangements and revert to the councillors later this year because the most accurate information is likely to be provided in October.

“A more connected bus service continues to be needed to meet the needs of Blessington commuters,” he said.

He also asked Dublin Bus to upgrade their systems to allow payment by card or phone. 

“Presently, they don't give change or accept notes. This means that bus travel is unattractive for people who don't have Leap Cards. So casual users are put off at a time when we are supposed to be attracting people to public transport. Such systems are hugely successful in London, Madrid, Stockholm, Rome and several cities in Finland.”

However, a new system allowing payment by cards and smartphones won’t be in place before  early 2026 “but I would like to see progress on this accelerated.”

He said stronger bus links are needed  to connect Blessington with Manor Kilbride, Lackan, Ballyknockan, Valleymount and Hollywood. 

“A key feature of the ‘Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan’ is the provision of more local routes that connect smaller settlements with the regional public transport network. This can only be achieved with improvements to the 65 bus service.