Calls for better bus services for built-up county Limerick town to city

LOCALS in Croom are calling for more frequent buses to the city to support residents and those using Croom Orthopaedic Hospital.

A survey carried out by Croom Community Development Association (CCDA) found that local residents want earlier and later services everyday and that a bus stop should be closer to Croom Hospital.

Patricia Ryan of CCDA said: “Despite the growth in population and increased services at Croom Hospital, Croom has little in the way of public transport services to and from the town”. 

Croom's population has grown by 17% in 2022 since the 2016 census, which is well above national average. 

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With houses being built by Croom Voluntary Housing and also a private development currently offering phase two of Camoge Park, the population is set to continue to grow. 

Croom is situated on the N20 and is 10 minutes from Raheen, 15 minutes from Limerick city centre. The current services include the suburban route bus 320 Limerick to Charleville, which operates five or four services Monday to Friday. 

Saturday and Sunday this service is reduced and there is no service after 5:45pm any evening leaving Limerick.  

The survey was carried out in June and early July and there were 146 respondents.  

The responses outlined the two issues to be overcome, including the 320 service from Bus Eireann needs to have a more frequent service between Limerick and Croom and to include service both earlier and later in the day. 

As well as this, those attending Croom Orthopaedic Hospital need a bus stop closer to it as it is currently just under 1km away.  

Ms Ryan said: “All aspects of life are affected by this lack of public transport. Young people need a car to attend university, having a job in Raheen only 10 minutes away requires a car.

“Improving the frequency of service to Croom would also take many car journeys off the N20.”