The no 7 bus route is included in a new list of changes.

Dublin Bus has listed a route it cut without public consultation or notice as an improvement.

The number 4 and 4a bus routes were merged with an overall frequency cut of 30% on weekdays and 66% on Sundays. Capacity on buses was also reduced as the route’s long ‘bendy’ buses were replaced with lower capacity double-deckers.

Dublin Bus did not respond to a request for comment to explain why this route was included under the header ‘improvements’ on dublinbus.ie, or why a route already changed is included in a new phase of the cost cutting .

The bus company is continuing with its cost cutting and bus rerouting programme, and it has recently uploaded its latest planned changes on to its website.

Dublinbus.ie says “Dublin Bus is pleased to announce proposals for services in Sandymount and on the Merrion Road QBC as part of Network Direct. These service changes cover the following existing routes” and lists the following: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 7a, 7b, 7d, 8, 45, 45a, 59, and 111.

It also says that changes to buses serving the Howth Road / Portmarnock includes the routes 29a, 31, 31b, 32, 32a, 32b, and 32x.

Although, because the company is unwilling to comment, it is unclear why its website says routes already changed are includes in a new phase of changes.

MORE: Merrion Road QBC changes on dublinbus.ie
MORE: Howth Road / Portmarnock changes on dublinbus.ie

“We are also still appealing for people who were in the Howth Village – Harbour Road – Howth Pier area on the evening of Tuesday the December 14 from 8.30pm onwards and who may have seen Bláthnaid or any lone female out walking to contact us,” said Sergeant Gerry Curley of the Garda press office.

Curley said: “Emergency services were dealing with an incident on the West Pier from about 8pm onwards that evening  and the Howth Yacht Club AGM was on so we are aware that there were people in the area who may have seen something that they should make us aware of.”

Anybody with infromation should contact Gardai at Harcourt Terrace on 01 6669500, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.

Gardai say that the scarf — called a “Dogtooth” scarf — is from retailer Warehouse and it would have been slightly frayed from wear and tear.

Bláthnaid is described as 5’6’’, with medium length dark brown hair, with a thin build and a pale complexion.  She is believed to have been wearing a ¾ length black wool jacket.

She got a taxi from the Dublin Docklands to Howth, Gardai have said they are satisfied that the last known sighting of Blathnaid is on Harbour Road in Howth Village at 8.30pm.