Fianna Fáil Senator Thomas Byrne says he has secured a commitment from Bus Éireann that extra buses are being put onto key routes in Meath to meet high commuter demand.

Senator Byrne had raised the issue with Bus Éireann after commuters told him that full buses were unable to take on passengers in the Dunshaughlin/Fairyhouse/Batterstown areas on a regular basis in the morning. The bus services affected include the 109 and the 111.

Senator Byrne said: "Bus Éireann has informed me that having reviewed this situation that it concluded 'a number of buses were reaching full capacity on our 109 Kells/Dublin and 111 Athboy/Dublin en route and failing to cater for intending passengers at locations closer to the Dublin such as Fairyhouse cross.'

"Bus Éireann has now informed me that it has implemented a series of changes to address the problem, such as:

Reallocation of high capacity coaches at peak times on high demand services;

Additional auxiliary capacity from our own resources where possible;

Additional capacity from private operators as auxiliaries to our own services.

"This situation had become increasingly difficult for commuters since the start of the new school and college terms. I am delighted that Bus Éireann has sought to address this issue promptly and I hope commuter see a difference on the ground straight away," the senator stated.

"I also raised concerns with the company regarding off-peak services to passengers in Dunshaughlin. Bus Éireann has noted the difficulties but has cited factors out of their control such as traffic delays, as being the principle cause for the problems passengers have experienced. I am continuing to engage with the company on this and other issues for passengers.

"I will also continue to raise issues surrounding the Kells Express Service via the M3 which I am still receiving complaints about from customers."