The National Transport Authority has said that replacing a rural bus service in Co Waterford which is about to end is a "high priority".
An online petition has been set up to try to secure alternative public transport for parts of rural Waterford following confirmation that a long-standing bus company is closing down its commuter routes.
Suirway said this week that it will be finishing its commuter services at the end of October, following 123 years of business, which could leave a number of towns and villages in east Waterford without a bus link to the city.
The company, owned by the Lynch family, is based in Passage East and also serves areas such as Portlaw and Dunmore East.
It cited a "prolonged period of extremely difficult trading" which followed the onset of Covid-19 as a reason for its decision to close, as well as national transport policy and sustainability.
In a statement, Brian Lynch urged the NTA to ensure the areas currently served by Suirway will have a bus service into the future.
A number of local politicians have also contacted the NTA to call for continuity of transport links.
Waterford-based activist and former students' union leader Michelle Byrne started an online petition this week which so far has over 500 signatures.
"The National Transport Authority must ensure a replacement so these rural routes to Dunmore East, Portlaw and Passage East are protected," she says on the petition.
"We should be protecting all bus routes to promote more sustainable and affordable means of travel. Don't cut rural Waterford off from public bus services."
In a statement to RTÉ News, the National Transport Authority said it is "currently assessing" the public service obligation for replacement public transport services in the area.
"This is a high priority for the authority and we will update in due course when this process is complete."
