Due to pipe laying for the waste water treatment plant in Skerries, the main Balbriggan to Skerries Road was closed from 1st June until 5th June 2006.
Route 33/ 33A services to/ from Balbriggan were curtailed to Skerries ( Monument ) as the diversion routes to Balbriggan involved low bridges unsuitable for double deckers buses.
A shuttlebus was provided operating from Skerries Monument to Balbriggan town centre.
Here is a feature on the operation....
Summerhill Garage AV 266, a Volvo B7TL with ALX400 bodywork rests at Skerries Railway Station having just worked the 9.15 departure from Lower Abbey Street. All 33 services are operating to Skerries Monument & the Railway Station during the disruption.
Alongside AV 266, is the Skerries outstation for Dublin Bus, consisting of sheds for 4 buses for overnight secure parking. There is also canteen/ rest facilities for the drivers at the station.
Fingal Coaches of Blakes Cross is operating the shuttlebus services from Skerries Monument to Balbriggan via the diversion route, which takes in some cross countryside roads & two low bridges, unsuitable for even single deck buses.
Fingal Coaches Mercedes 814
( 05 D 4186 ) is seen alongside at the Skerries terminus.
Seen at the newly created busbay just on the outskirts of Balbriggan on Dublin Street, this is the new route 33/ 33A terminus since the route was extended from the centre of the village. This stop also connects with the new Bus Eireann Town Service.
The shuttlebus departs from Balbriggan on the half hour from 6 am, while from Skerries on the hour from 7 until midnight. While not connecting directly with the 33/ 33A timetable, its a valuable & free connection during the disruption.
Rear view of the Fingal Coaches Mercedes minibus on the shuttlebus service.
The trip time from Skerries to Balbriggan is just over 15 minutes & was quite popular.
There was also the option to use the Irish Rail service from Skerries to Balbriggan.
Interior of the Mercedes 814 with Spanish bodywork.
Highbacked individual coach seating, air con, lighting & seatbelts with overhead luggage racks.
Thanks to the driver of the day, Dave from Fingal Coaches !!!!
