You Wait A Whole Year For The 199 Bus

Fairs, please… Whitmore stands her ground

atest press release from Jennifer Whitmore TD, issued on Tuesday, May 26th 2026…

Social Democrats TD for Wicklow, Jennifer Whitmore, has announced a public meeting on the delayed 199 local link bus service, which was first announced in April 2025 but has yet to begin operating.

The 199 route was due to connect Glendalough and Laragh to Bray through Roundwood as a seven-day Local Link service. The route was widely welcomed by local communities who have long argued that the area has been overlooked when it comes to public transport investment and connectivity.

Deputy Whitmore said that despite repeated assurances from the National Transport Authority (NTA), there is still no sign of the service more than a year later.

“In May last year, I was told by the NTA that the 199 was fully funded and considered a priority route. In July, it went out to tender, and in August, Nolan Coaches were awarded the contract. They bought a bus and hired drivers, and the service was supposed to begin in September,” said Deputy Whitmore.

“However, September came and went without the service commencing. Now, in May 2026, there is still no operating 199 route connecting the communities of Glendalough, Laragh and Roundwood with Bray”, Deputy Whitmore continued.

Deputy Whitmore said the continued delays and lack of communication from the Department have caused huge frustration locally.

“This area has been ignored for too long. A reliable bus service is badly needed for workers, students, older people, tourists and anyone without access to a car. People were told this route was funded, prioritised and ready to go, yet a year later we are no further forward,” said Deputy Whitmore.

“I am hosting a public meeting in Roundwood Parish Centre on Tuesday 2 June at 7:30pm to engage with the local community about this bus route. Everyone is welcome to this meeting and I am asking people to spread the word far and wide,” concluded Deputy Whitmore. “I have also set up a Facebook group to share more information here.

“We need to make it clear that these communities cannot continue to be left behind when it comes to public transport…”

Now, if only they’d gone and built that Greystones to Glendalough Express, we’d be sorted.