Kildare Senator Calls For Better Public Transport Connectivity Within Newbridge

Tuesday, 22 September 2026 14:26

By Daniel Maher

There are currently 11 town bus programmes in Ireland

Fianna Fáil Senator for Kildare Fiona O' Loughlin has called for better public transport connectivity within the town of Newbridge.

While she did compliment the intercity connection the town has with buses and the railway station, she believed that the nature of Newbridge meant that better transport within the town is desirable.

There are currently 11 town bus programmes in Ireland, something Senator O' Loughlin has described as "successful" and could be implemented in Newbridge as well.

"You can easily live in the town of Newbridge but be three miles from the train station, and when we look at some estates people would need a second car to get to a train station.

She also remarked that "parking spaces at the station are getting congested" and that it "makes absolute sense" to have a commuter bus that links train stations, places of education, places of work as well as supporting shopping and health needs.

In response Minister Jerry Buttimer said that himself, Minister Daragh O' Brien and Junior Minister Seán Canney were committed to providing citizens with a "reliable realistic mobility option".

Minister Buttimer added that they are engaging with the NTA surrounding issues such as driver shortages, as well as considering new routes, acknowledging Kildare as a rapidly growing county.

The full interview can be heard below: