Local fears that Athlone town bus service will be scrapped

As Bus Éireann continues to negotiate with unions over its cost-cutting programme, reports have emerged that the company is proposing the redundancy of 11 drivers from its Athlone depot. In addition, there are growing concerns that the Athlone town bus services - which link Monksland, Garrycastle and Willow Park with the town centre - will be eliminated by the company. When asked this week about the reports on local redundancies and the possible removal of the Athlone town services, Bus Éireann spokesperson Andrew McLindon declined to comment. In addition to the potential loss of the town bus services, the company is also believed to be considering cutbacks on regional routes linking Athlone with Longford, Roscommon, Cork, Waterford, Limerick and Galway. Local councillor Paul Hogan described Bus Éireann"s proposals as 'disastrous news for the people of Athlone.' 'This is shocking news for Athlone that the management of Bus Éireann wish to cut the services they provide via the town"s shuttle buses and by axing 11 of the 21 drivers from Athlone bus depot,' he said. 'I am appealing to the union spokespersons not to allow Bus Éireann cut any service to Athlone and to retain the 21 drivers currently employed at the depot. In these uncertain economic times it is essential that we invest in public service infrastructure such as bus routes. This is a key component to developing and progressing a town like Athlone,' said the Sinn Fein councillor. 'There are also a number of people in Athlone and its environs who depend wholly on the town"s bus service.' Cllr Hogan concluded his comments by calling on the government to intervene in order to reverse the proposed cuts. Similar sentiments were expressed by Fine Gael TD for Longford/Westmeath, Deputy James Bannon. 'I am calling on Bus Éireann to be up-front with the drivers and the people of Athlone in relation to strong rumours that the (town bus) service is to be completely cut,' said Deputy Bannon. 'The cutting or curtailment of this service would be a huge blow to the town, the drivers, their families and the community as a whole. 'The shocking reality appears to be that 11 drivers could lose their jobs and that families with young children, and elderly residents in areas such as Monksland, Willow Park and Garrycastle, may lose a valuable transport link with Athlone town. 'I am deeply concerned with the potential loss of these jobs, which will impact so harshly on the workers and their families,' said Deputy Bannon. 'Such cutbacks are essentially signed, sealed and delivered by the stroke of a pen - however, the resulting fall-out is devastating.' The discussions between Bus Éireann and unions are due to conclude on June 19.