Connecting Ireland Project Updates

loyatemu

that's a serious route, scenic too.

LXFlyer

Two further Local Link routes to launch from December 5th - First is Route 523:

https://www.transportforireland.ie/news/tfi-local-link-cork-launches-new-bus-service-between-mitchelstown-and-mallow/

TFI Local Link Cork Launches New Bus Service Between Mitchelstown and Mallow

2ND DECEMBER 2022

TFI Local Link Cork is delighted to announce the launch of a new bus service Route 523 connecting Mitchelstown and Mallow which is due to commence on December 05th, 2022. The new service will operate seven days a week with four return services per day Monday to Saturday and three return services on Sundays/Public Holidays.

Route 523 will provide greater frequency and flexibility than ever before with areas covered along the route including Mitchelstown, Kildorrery, Shanballymore, Doneraile and Mallow. The service will also facilitate commuters to access train services from Mallow for onward connections.

This new route is part of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan which is a major national public transport initiative developed and funded by the National Transport Authority (NTA), with the aim of increasing connectivity, particularly for people living outside our major cities and towns.

This new route is funded by the NTA as part of the TFI Network.

Speaking ahead of the launch, TFI Local Link Cork Manager David O’Brien said: “This new service will provide people living along the route access to services and onward connections on a daily basis. It will mean a significant improvement in the quality of life for people living in these areas.

People can now access a wide range of public and social services, training courses, colleges, hospital appointments, banks, etc. along with onward train and bus connections”.

Passengers who are in receipt of the Free Travel Pass may avail of these services and for all other passengers there is an affordable fare structure and the opportunity to use the TFI Go App for even more savings.

For more information visit: www.locallinkcork.ie or phone 025-51454

For route and timetable information, please call the TFI Local Link Cork office on 025-51454, or visit locallinkcork.ie or visit their Facebook, Instagram or Twitter pages.

The timetable for route 523 is here:

https://www.transportforireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/TFI-Local-Link-Cork-Route-523-Mitchelstown-to-Mallow.pdf

LXFlyer

And the other is from Castlerea to Ballinasloe - Route 546:

https://www.transportforireland.ie/news/tfi-local-link-galway-to-launch-new-bus-service-connecting-castlerea-to-ballinasloe/

TFI Local Link Galway to launch new bus service connecting Castlerea to Ballinasloe

2ND DECEMBER 2022

TFI Local Link Galway will launch route 546 Castlerea to Ballinasloe, a new seven day a week service, from Monday 5th December. The service will operate three times a day in each direction, covering Castlerea, Williamstown, Glenamaddy, Kilkerrin, Moylough, Mountbellew, Caltra, Ahascragh and Ballinasloe.

The new service will also provide commuters with a new peak-time service that interchanges with direct services to Galway from Ballinasloe, and improved connectivity to regional bus and rail services at Castlerea.

Route 546 is part of the new Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, a major national public transport initiative developed by the National Transport Authority (NTA), with the aim of increasing connectivity, particularly for people living outside our major cities and towns. This new route is funded by the National Transport Authority as part of the Transport for Ireland Network.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan TD said: “The Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility programme connects people and places in rural and urban areas, with accessible and sustainable public transport.

“This new seven day a week service will give people frequent, sustainable travel options at peak times that also connect with regional bus and rail services.

“This integrated approach to public transport is exactly what we need to help more people to see the benefits of the bus or train to get to their destinations”.

Minister of State in the Department of Transport, Hildegarde Naughton TD, added: “This new route will transform the lives of people living in nine towns and villages across Galway.

“Public transport services like these are so important for people living in rural Ireland, with frequent bus services allowing them to travel sustainably to work, education or leisure activities and providing an alternative to the car.

“This is the latest launch of new routes under the Connecting Ireland programme which aims to vastly improve bus networks across rural parts of the country, connecting people and places”.

Speaking ahead of the launch, TFI Local Link Galway Manager Joe Greally concluded: “This is a very welcome and exciting addition to the TFI Local link Galway network.

“We are very excited to be able to announce this vital service after many months of consultation and planning. We are sure that this new service will enhance the lives of the travelling public and give a viable alternative to private transport within this region”.

TFI Local Link rural transport services are an important component of daily life linking people with jobs, education, healthcare, shopping and recreation/tourist facilities. The design of a sustainable transport infrastructure has a fundamental impact on the health and wellbeing of people in the community. It helps address social isolation, improves overall accessibility and provides opportunities for active regular transport and daily physical activity.

For route and timetable information, please call the TFI Local Link Galway office on (091) 842 384, or visit locallinkgalway.ie or visit their Facebook page

The timetable for route 546 is here:

https://www.transportforireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/TFI-Local-Link-Route-Timetable-546-Castlerea-to-Ballinasloe-2fold.pdf

LXFlyer

A new route M3 being launched in Monaghan and services enhanced on the existing M1 and M2 routes there from Monday December 5th.

https://www.transportforireland.ie/news/new-public-transport-for-monaghan-villages/

New Public Transport for Monaghan Villages

2ND DECEMBER 2022

TFI Local Link Cavan Monaghan is delighted to announce that a new ‘M3’ route, Mullan Village to Monaghan Town will launch on the 5th December 2022. The new service will operate seven days a week with five return services per day Friday and Saturday, and four return services on Sunday.

M3 is part of the new Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, a major national public transport initiative developed by the National Transport Authority (NTA), with the aim of increasing connectivity, particularly for people living outside our major cities and towns. This new route is funded by the National Transport Authority as part of the Transport for Ireland Network.

M3 will provide connectivity between Mullan Village and Monaghan town, serving Emyvale, Glaslough, and Tyholland Village along the way, providing people from those areas with sustainable travel options to access, employment, education, retail, social services and onward travel connections from Monaghan Bus Station.

In addition to M3, the existing TFI Local Link services M1 and M2 are being enhanced, both of which will now operate a Sunday and Bank Holiday schedule, as well as enhancing the service area to include Coolshannagh and Ballyalbany through the M1 service.

Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan said “The new M3 route with five services per day, seven days per week in conjunction with the enhanced M1 and M2 routes offering new Sunday services is a significant development for Cavan and Monaghan. This will give people across Cavan and Monaghan real choice when it comes to public transport. Importantly, these new spines will also help connect communities and businesses across the two counties, making it easier for people to use public transport to get to work, schools or to visit friends and families”.

Speaking at the launch of the service in Monaghan Town today, Minister for Social Protection, Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD said “the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan has been developed by the National Transport Authority to increase public transport connectivity for all. These new and enhanced routes in Monaghan will transform the local network offering more frequent bus services connecting people with work, business and leisure activities in the area”.

TFI Local Link Cavan Monaghan Manager, Padraic Smyth said “TFI Local Link Cavan Monaghan is working in support of the Governments Sustainable Mobility Policy and believe that this new service and enhancements to existing services in Monaghan, compliment this agenda as well as the ‘Active Travel Programme’ being implemented through Monaghan County Council. Public Transport is a key component of Active Travel, providing an alternative mode for people in rural villages of Monaghan”.

TFI Local Link Cavan Monaghan is delighted to have been the first to offer passengers, Leap and TFI Go App facilities on all of its Rural Regular Services earlier this year, and passengers on M3 can also avail of these ticket options, which are now more affordable than ever, due to the reductions implemented by Government in April of this year.

For route and timetable information, please call the TFI Local Link Cavan Monaghan on 047-51840, or visit www.locallinkcm.ie, or visit their Facebook, or Instagram pages.

Timetables:

M1: https://www.locallinkcm.ie/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/M1-Timetable-Dec-22.pdf

M3: https://www.locallinkcm.ie/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/M3-Timetable-Dec-22.pdf

The M2 change happens on December 11th and the timetable is yet to appear online

brianc89

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119949327#Comment_119949327

Great to see more local routes being launched.

3 times daily is a good start, though a bit disappointing. With such low frequency, will this allow the route to become established?

I checked the Westport and Galway train timetables and none of the connections at Ballinasloe or Castlerea stations actually connect with a train, in any direction. The best is an 18mimute connection, then 30minute and all the rest are an hour+ or miss the train by less than 20minutes.

Am I missing something here?

transportrian

Used the new 821 route (Newbridge - Naas) service yesterday evening for the first time. It was excellent. I half was excepting the bus not to show up... so its doing better than Go-Ahead services already...

The service allows me to be more connected to places that are nearer to me, before it was more convenient to go to Dublin. It saves me a €30 taxi for the rare times I used to go out in Naas, now I can do this more often. It only cost me .55c each way for the Young Adult fare! I used it to get to and from Naas, and they were pretty much on time for both. Having a late service at 12:10 am from Naas on Friday and Saturday is great. The bus was suitable and had USB chargers which is a plus.

The only thing id say is that when I showed my ticket to the driver using the TFI Go app they didn't seem to know what it was..but let me on anyway. There's no designated pole to indicate where the bus stops, this is confusing and adds to people not being aware of the service existing. To add to the confusion TFI's real-time and journey plan apps show the bus stop for the service at a different nearby bus stop which is for the commuter bus to Dublin and I wasn't sure what methods of payment the service took as didn't state on the respective local link website.

These are smaller things that are relatively simple which the roll-out of more local link services needs to get right to ensure they are appealing to as many people as possible. However, the route is still very new so this should improve over time.

LXFlyer

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119951844#Comment_119951844

I think that you have to remember that most new Local Link routes start off with a low base.

This service is clearly using only one bus and driver to get it up and running which makes scheduling connections everywhere a bit tricky. It's establishing direct public transport connections to local towns that didn't exist before which is really the main purpose of the route.

To be fair the Local Link offices around the country do appear very responsive to suggestions for timetable changes where the resources allow it.

LXFlyer

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119950225#Comment_119950225

The new M2 timetable is now online:

https://www.locallinkcm.ie/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/M2-Timetable-Dec-22.pdf

Five services a day on Sundays between Monaghan, Ballybay and Castleblayney.

LXFlyer

This weekend there are further changes being launched:

First up the enhancement of Route 283 in Kerry:

https://www.transportforireland.ie/news/public-transport-connectivity-to-kerry-airport-to-improve-thanks-to-enhancements-to-bus-route/

Public Transport Connectivity to Kerry Airport to Improve Thanks to Enhancements to Bus Route

6TH DECEMBER 2022

TFI Local Link Kerry is pleased to announce the enhancement of Route 283 Currow – Currans – Kerry Airport – Farranfore – Firies – Ballyfinnane – Farmers Bridge – Tralee, commencing on Monday 12th December 2022.

The enhanced route will offer peak-time services for commuters to Tralee and offers greater connectivity to regional bus and rail services from both Tralee and Farranfore as well as increased connections to Kerry Airport.

The reconfiguration of Route 283 from Currow – Firies – Tralee, will see increased connectivity in the area with four return trips Monday to Thursday, five trips each way on Friday and Saturday, and three return trips on Sundays. Previously, the service only offered two return trips Monday to Saturday and no Sunday service.

There are stops in Tralee at University Hospital Kerry, MTU South & North Campus, Kerry College Clash & Denny Street as well as Casement Bus Station.

Newly enhanced route 283 is part of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan which is a major national public transport initiative developed and funded by the National Transport Authority (NTA), as part of the TFI Network.

Anne Graham, CEO of the NTA said: “The Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan has been developed by the NTA to increase public transport connectivity for all, particularly those who live outside of major cities. With the launch of this enhanced route, it will transform the local network offering more frequent services connecting people with work, business and leisure activities in the area”.

Alan O’ Connell, General Manager TFI Local Link Kerry said: “We would encourage passengers to make the most of our public transport system. Public transport is not only an environmentally friendly option but also socially inclusive and can be a cheaper way to travel.”

“TFI Local Link Kerry is currently working with the National Transport Authority designing new bus routes under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan. It is a very positive time to be involved in public transport”.

“There are some exciting developments on the horizon for the county through the Connecting Ireland Plan. I can safely say that these new routes will be transformative and will provide access for people to employment, education, training, healthcare, shopping, recreation, and tourist facilities. The design of a sustainable transport infrastructure has a fundamental impact on the health and wellbeing of people in the community”.

For route and timetable information, please call the TFI Local Link Kerry on 066 7147002, or visit www.locallinkkerry.ie, or visit their Facebook, Twitter or Instagram pages.

Timetable is here:

https://www.locallinkkerry.ie/route-283/

LXFlyer

Next up is new route 527 linking Charleville with Mallow:

https://www.transportforireland.ie/news/tfi-local-link-cork-launches-new-service-connecting-charleville-and-mallow/

TFI Local Link Cork Launches New Service Connecting Charleville and Mallow

9TH DECEMBER 2022

TFI Local Link Cork is delighted to announce the launch of a new bus service, Route 522 Charleville to Mallow, which is due to commence on December 12th 2022. The new service will operate seven days a week with four return services per day Monday to Saturday and three return services on Sundays and Public Holidays.

Route 522 will provide greater connectivity and flexibility than ever before, with areas covered along the route including Charleville, Newtownshandrum, Domina, Freemount, Liscarroll, Churchtown, Buttevant, Newtwopothouse and Mallow. The service will also connect commuters with train services from Mallow for onward journeys.

This is the second new service to begin operation in the area and follows the launch earlier this month of Route 523 from Mitchelstown to Mallow which provides greater frequency and flexibility than ever before with areas covered along the route including Mitchelstown, Kildorrery, Shanballymore, Doneraile and Mallow.

This new route is part of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan which is a major national public transport initiative developed and funded by the National Transport Authority (NTA), with the aim of increasing connectivity, particularly for people living outside our major cities and towns. This new route is funded by the NTA as part of the TFI Network.

Speaking ahead of the launch, TFI Local Link Cork Manager David O’Brien said: “This new service will provide people living along the route with access to services and onward connections on a daily basis. It will mean a significant improvement in the quality of life for people living in these areas. People can now access a wide range of public and social services, training courses, colleges, hospital appointments, banks, etc. along with onward train and bus connections”.

Passengers who are in receipt of the Free Travel Pass may avail of these services and for all other passengers there is an affordable fare structure and the opportunity to use the TFI Go App for even more savings.

For route and timetable information, please call the TFI Local Link Cork office on 025-51454, or visit locallinkcork.ie or visit their Facebook, Instagram or Twitter pages.

Timetable is here:

https://locallinkcork.com/wp-content/uploads/Local-Link-Cork-522-Current-Timetable.pdf

LXFlyer

Bus Éireann route 257, which operates between Macroom, Millstreet and Killarney is being changed this weekend with additional services added, and now operating seven days a week.

Zero publicity about it on the BE Website yet, except for the timetable.

A press release has been issued clearly:

https://corksafetyalerts.com/news/bus-eireann-announces-improved-services-and-timetables-on-route-257-killarney-macroom/

Bus Éireann Announces Improved Services And Timetables On Route 257 – Killarney/Macroom

Bus Éireann, Ireland’s national bus company, is pleased to announce significantly enhanced services and timetable to Route 257, Killarney to Macroom which will come into effect this Sunday, 11 December. 

Funded by the National Transport Authority as part of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, the enhanced Route 257 will now operate seven days a week, with increased daily services between Killarney/Millstreet and Millstreet/Macroom. 

Frequency will increase to five daily return services between Killarney and Millstreet (Monday to Saturday) with four return services on a Sunday. Three return services will operate between Millstreet and Macroom (Monday to Saturday) with two services on a Sunday. The improved services will also offer additional stops in Millstreet, offering passengers connection with rail services at Millstreet Train Station.          

“Bus Éireann is delighted to introduce these new and improved services between Killarney and Macroom, significantly increasing services for people between County Kerry and Cork, said Aled Williams, Bus Éireann, Senior Operations Manager, South. Thanks to the National Transport Authority, through the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan this enhancement will also create four driver jobs in our Cork Depot. Demand for our services in the South is higher now than pre-pandemic, this enhanced service will enable us to connect more people with who and what matters to them.

Bus Éireann Route 257 Serves Killarney, Barraduff, Rathmore, Gren Glens Arena (Northbound), Millstreet Rail Station, Green Glens Arena (Southbound), Millstreet, Clondrohid and Macroom. Updated service details and timetables are available at buseireann.ie.

LXFlyer

Finally, some advance notice of the cancellation of TFI Route 817 (Kilkenny-Castlecomer-Athy-Naas-Dublin) at the end of the year, which was introduced after JJ Kavanagh removed some services through those towns. It's to be replaced with a new Local Link route 897 between Kilkenny and Athy and more stops on the GAI operated route 130/130A.

https://www.transportforireland.ie/news/customer-notice-route-817-kilkenny-city-to-dublin-city-bus-service-to-be-replaced-by-route-897-kilkenny-city-to-athy/

Customer Notice: Route 817 (Kilkenny City to Dublin City) Bus Service to be Replaced by Route 897 (Kilkenny City to Athy)

7TH DECEMBER 2022

From 01 January 2023, services on bus Route 817 will be replaced by new and expanded services on Route 897 between Kilkenny City and Athy, and by the introduction of additional stops on Route 130/A between Athy and Dublin City.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has reviewed the performance of Route 817 which currently provides one round trip between Kilkenny City and Dublin City in the middle of the day, 7 days a week . This review identified that since its introduction in 2017 there has been poor usage levels of the service in both directions. Since launching the service has carried an average of only 12 passengers on each bus journey. This figure reduced to 6 passengers on average during the height of the COVID pandemic. Post pandemic, patronage recovered to 9 passengers on average in each direction and has remained at that level.

Through its planning and development work on the Connecting Ireland programme the Authority is aware that funding assigned to this route can be better used to provide a higher-level service to more effectively meet the needs of the areas served. Alternative services will be provided to meet the needs of existing Route 817 passengers and to attract new custom.

Route 897 (Kilkenny City – Athy)

From 01 January 2023 TFI Local Link Carlow Kilkenny Wicklow will operate new Route 897 serving Kilkenny – Castlecomer – Carlow Town – Athy. This new route will run a return service 7 days a week and will also serve areas including Moneenroe, Crettyard, Newtown Cross and Ballylynan. Table 1 shows the Route 897 timetable.

Table 2 below shows the timetable of service that will be provided on Route 897.

Route 130/A (Athy – Naas – Dublin City)

To facilitate customers from areas between Athy and Naas who previously travelled to Newlands Cross on Route 817, route 130/A will serve bus stop no. 2176 at Newlands Cross on the approach to the city centre, from 1st January 2023.

Table 1 below shows the timetable of service that will be provided on route 130/A.

Further Information

Table 1

Table 2

Please see more detailed information at the following links

• https://www.goaheadireland.ie/services/03/130

TFI Local Link route information is available on the Transport for Ireland website or on the TFI Local Link Carlow Kilkenny Wicklow website.

brianc89

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119978669#Comment_119978669

Thanks. I've already emailed the office and waiting to hear back.

It's disappointing as I still have no option to use get public transport from Dublin to rural Galway, which I thought I would have with this new route.

It just seems mad that the route takes off from a train station, but doesn't link with any train. Who do they expect to get on at the station!!!

LXFlyer

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119979132#Comment_119979132

The station is probably just a handy location to park the bus in Castlerea - that’s where the bus operating BE route 429 parks overnight.

As for no options, that depends on when and where you’re going.

There are other public and commercial bus routes in the area.

Bus Éireann routes 425/a

Bus Éireann route 429

Bus Éireann route 65 (Fridays only)

Brendan Boyle Coaches (Bus4u.net) route 433

There may be connections with Citylink at Ballinasloe too.

brianc89

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119979441#Comment_119979441

Unfortunately none of those routes connect with a train, believe me I've searched. The only option is to go all the way into Galway city and take the 433 bus back. I'll just drive thanks!

Also, even if they do connect, there's no contingency if a train/bus is late etc. as the connecting service won't wait. The routes aren't "Connected" in that way, or aware of each other.

It's early days on the Connecting Ireland project, so I'm not moaning. Just lots of room for improvement. Hopefully the Galway local link office get back to me, I'll update with their response.

LXFlyer

Next up on Monday 16th January, 2023 is route 188 from Drogheda to Athboy:

https://www.transportforireland.ie/news/tfi-local-link-louth-meath-fingal-launches-newly-enhanced-service/

TFI Local Link Louth Meath Fingal launches new service

11TH JANUARY 2023

TFI Local Link Louth Meath Fingal is delighted to announce that from the 16th of January 2023 Route 188 will provide new services between Athboy, Navan and Drogheda.

Route 188 will run eight times per day, seven days a week including bank holidays. The service will create a new connection to Kentstown and Duleek as well as servicing Athboy, Navan, Donore and Drogheda with ancillary services from Rathcairn. Route 188 will provide enhanced access to numerous amenities including tourist attractions such as Newgrange (Brú Na Bóinne) and Battle of the Boyne, regional access to hubs, bus services and hospitals in both Drogheda and Navan and access to local towns for employment and education.

This new route is part of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan which is a major national public transport initiative developed and funded by the National Transport Authority (NTA) as part of the Transport for Ireland Network.

Speaking ahead of the route launch, Miriam McKenna, TFI Local Link Louth Meath Fingal Manager said:

“We are delighted to announce TFI Local Link Service 188, connecting people to Athboy, Navan, Kentstown, Duleek, Donore, and Drogheda, providing greater connectivity for people to employment, education, training, shopping, and social activities.

“Route 188 will stop at both Navan and Drogheda hospitals and also stop at Newgrange (Brú na Bóinne) and the Battle of the Boyne visitor centre. Payment can be made using the TFI Go App and passengers can benefit from the TFI Leap reduced fares on public transport which is better for your pocket and for the environment.

“TFI Local Link Louth Meath Fingal is currently working with the NTA designing new bus routes under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan and with more services coming in 2023 these new routes will be transformative and have a fundamental impact on the health and wellbeing of people in the community”.

For route and timetable information, please call the TFI Local Link Louth Meath Fingal office on Tel: 046-9074830, Tel: 1800 303 707.

Email: lmf@locallink.ie or visit locallinklmf.ie/or their Facebook, or Twitter pages.

LXFlyer

The 188 timetable is here:

https://www.transportforireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/TFL-Local-Link-Route-188-DL-Leaflet-6pp.pdf

LXFlyer

Updated Route 188 timetable to correct an error in the earlier version:

https://www.transportforireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/TFL-Local-Link-Route-188-DL-Leaflet-6pp-1.pdf

Pete_Cavan

Has the final network route maps even been published? The proposed network was published as part of a public consultation but I can't find the finalised network (or is it the same as what was proposed and the public consultation was merely a box ticking exercise?).

LXFlyer

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120118504#Comment_120118504

They are proceeding, but with changes following the consultation. Mainly involving increased frequencies, but with some minor routing changes.

No final map was published, so the best reference point is what was published originally.

They did publish a post-consultation report which has influenced some of the changes, so no, it wasn’t a “box-ticking exercise”.

https://www.nationaltransport.ie/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Connecting-Ireland-Rural-Mobility-Plan_May_2022.pdf

The Claremorris-Maam Cross-Carraroe service wasn’t in the original plan for example.

The first quarterly progress report lists the routes launched or due to launch in 2022.

A second update should, one would expect, follow soon which will inform us about what will follow in 2023.

https://www.nationaltransport.ie/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Connecting-Ireland-Quarterly-Bulletin-Issue-1.pdf

Pete_Cavan

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120118521#Comment_120118521

Seems odd not to publish an updated map, particularly if route changes are minimal. Expecting people to scroll through a report while referring to a superceded map to see what services Connecting Ireland is providing is a bit ridiculous.

LXFlyer

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120118556#Comment_120118556

Well why not get on to them directly about it?

In my experience that tends to be the best way to get answers rather than asking here.

I will keep updating this thread in any case for any updates.

Pete_Cavan

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120118761#Comment_120118761

It's a perfectly reasonable question to ask here. The relevant section of the NTA website doesn't show a finalised map so I was wondering if I missed something which was previously published but now removed.

LXFlyer

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120119791#Comment_120119791

I’m only saying that you might get a more direct answer from them if you ask them by email. They may have one internally, I don’t know!

The rest of us can only offer supposition!

There wasn’t anything added since except the quarterly progress report and the second one of those is now due.

brianc89

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119979516#Comment_119979516

I followed up with the Galway Local Link office about route 546. Just to remind of my issue - the 3 times daily service from Castlerea train station to Ballinsloe train station via Mountbellew does not connect with any train service at either station (2 at a push).

I received the following response:

The times of the buses come directly from The NTA and I am not aware of any plans to align them but I suggest you get in touch with your local TD on this matter.

I'll certainly follow up with local representatives. At the time of launch Eamon Ryan stated:

"This new seven day a week service will give people frequent, sustainable travel options at peak times that also connect with regional bus and rail services." .......

LXFlyer

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120119876#Comment_120119876

I’d contact the NTA directly as well - the more pressure the better.

The one thing to bear in mind is that it’s a single bus operation by the looks of things, so driver hours could be an issue. But the old maxim applies, don’t ask, don’t get!

LXFlyer

Latest addition: Route 384 between Wexford and Enniscorthy

https://www.nationaltransport.ie/news/tfi-local-link-wexford-launches-new-service-connecting-wexford-town-and-enniscorthy/

TFI Local Link Wexford launches new service connecting Wexford Town and Enniscorthy

Route 384 will operate five return services per day Monday to Saturday and four return services per day on Sunday

3 February 2023

TFI Local Link Wexford is delighted to announce a new bus service connecting Wexford Town and Enniscorthy, which will begin operating from Monday 13th February 2023.

This new route is part of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan which is a major national public transport initiative developed and funded by the National Transport Authority (NTA) as part of the Transport for Ireland Network.

Route 384 will operate five return services per day Monday to Saturday and four return services per day on Sunday. The service will provide improved connectivity around Wexford and Enniscorthy stopping through villages and areas such as Glynn, Killurin, Ballyhogue, Bree, Wilton and Tomnalossett.

The new service will provide improved connectivity to regional bus and rail services from Wexford to Enniscorthy and will facilitate onward travel to South Wexford, Waterford, Carlow, Wicklow and Dublin. The new route will also provide improved access to medical services in St John’s Community Hospital, local libraries, local town bus services and tourist attractions such as the Irish National Heritage Park, Enniscorthy Castle, the historic Athenaeum and the National 1798 Rebellion Centre.

Speaking ahead of the route launch, Mary B O’ Leary, TFI Local Link Wexford Manager said: “We are delighted to announce TFI Local Link Service 384 which will connect towns and villages from Wexford to Enniscorthy.

The new service will give people the opportunity to get to work, visit family, travel to medical appointments, shop locally, attend leisure activities and take in some of the historic sights Co. Wexford has to offer”.

For more route and timetable information, please call TFI Local Link Wexford on Tel: 0539011828

Email: wexford@locallink.ie or visit www.locallinkwexford.ie or their Facebook, or Twitter pages.

LXFlyer

The Minister has launched the 2023 phase of routes - some additions and enhancements that weren’t in the original plan which is great to see, along with further enhancements of existing services.

Lots to look forward to!

A full listing of planned routes for 2023 (and a map) is at the bottom below.

https://www.transportforireland.ie/news/minister-for-transport-and-nta-launch-ambitious-rural-bus-plan-for-2023/

Minister for Transport and NTA launch ambitious rural bus plan for 2023

17TH FEBRUARY 2023

67 new or enhanced rural bus services proposed across Ireland this year in Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan 

Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan

The Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan TD, with the National Transport Authority (NTA) today launched the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan for 2023 in Tullamore, Co. Offaly.

In what is one of the most ambitious plans yet for rural transport, 67 new or enhanced Connecting Ireland bus services are proposed, strengthening existing services and connecting more towns and townlands across the state.

Last year, Connecting Ireland delivered 38 new and enhanced bus services across various counties, bringing new bus services to 67 additional towns. In 2022 almost €4m was invested in implementing Connecting Ireland bus services, but this year that figure will double to €8.5m provided by the Department of Transport and NTA.

These services are provided on behalf of the NTA by 15 TFI Local Link offices nationwide, including Laois/ Offaly Local Link which is managed by Frances Byrne, who attended today’s launch.

Bus Éireann, will also be a key partner in delivery of new Connecting Ireland services this year. Some 20 of the routes identified in the 2023 implementation plan are to be delivered by Bus Éireann in counties such as Galway, Waterford, Clare and Cork.

Response by customers to new services in rural Ireland has been very strong, with passenger numbers on buses returning to pre-Covid levels. This is particularly the case on TFI Local Link services in rural Ireland. The annual passenger journey figure for 2019 was 2.5m. Covid had a serious impact on passenger numbers in 2020 and 2021, but in 2022, they rose to 2.8m, a recovery of 112%. Weekly passenger numbers peaked at over 45,000 on weeks in November and December 2022, confirming people’s desire to use the improved and enhanced services.

Commenting at today’s launch, Minister Eamon Ryan, said: “Massively improving rural transport is one of my key priorities as Minister for Transport. The Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, launched in 2021, has already played a key role in towns and villages across Ireland and providing people with new choices to travel by bus.

“But now, we want to go further and build on that success with many more new and enhanced routes planned for 2023.

“It’s clear that when you build it, they will come. We know from last year’s statistics that people respond positively to new routes and services, backed up by our new cheaper fares. Young people, in particular, are choosing to use public transport more which is great. It’s more convenient, it’s more accessible and frequent than it’s been and it’s cheaper than driving and paying for a parking spot all day in college or school. The more people choose public transport the better it is for our environment as well. Public transport, both rural and urban, is a key to Ireland meeting our emissions targets.”

Anne Graham, CEO of the National Transport Authority said: “NTA is proud to launch our Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan for implementation in 2023, which will deliver better access to safe, reliable, and more frequent bus services connecting towns and villages.

“The NTA is continuing its efforts to improve rural bus services by identifying areas that require additional services, and we are committed to continuing to develop connectivity and mobility in rural areas through the phased rollout of new and enhanced bus services this year and in future years.”

The Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, an initiative of the NTA, is an ambitious programme of enhancements to create a more integrated, accessible and sustainable public transport network for rural Ireland.

The Connecting Ireland Plan continues to have a significant positive impact on rural communities giving people access to high frequency public transport bus services and connecting locations to other regional TFI bus and rail services.

Growth in TFI Local Link public transport passenger numbers

The factors for the growth in Local Link public transport passenger numbers include:

• Connecting Ireland – new and enhanced routes for the TFI Local Link network offering more local and regional connectivity;
• The addition of cashless payment options including TFI Leap and TFI Go; and
• A reduction in the cost of fares – 20% cost of living.

For more information see:

https://www.nationaltransport.ie/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Connecting-Ireland-Phase-2-Implementation-Plan-2023-Rev2-V3.pdf

thomasj

whats the story with the 139 on that list? it says its at planning stage but its been running for a few years now?

LXFlyer

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120253694#Comment_120253694

This project is about enhancing existing services as well as adding new ones.

There are plenty of existing routes in the list.

Planning can refer to deciding on planned service levels.