Connecting Ireland Project Launched
Comments
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All this is great, but I wonder will we ever get a map of all the routes?
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Next up is an enhancement of route 885:
TFI Local Link Carlow Kilkenny Wicklow enhances route from Baltinglass to Sallins with Route 885
4TH MARCH 2024
Launching on Monday 11th of March enhanced bus service from Baltinglass to Sallins
TFI Local Link Carlow Kilkenny Wicklow is enhancing bus services from Baltinglass to Sallins from Monday 11th of March.
This enhancement 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 (TFI) Network.
Route 885 to serve Baltinglass, Stratford-On-Slaney, Dunlavin, Brannockstown, Ballymore Eustace, Blessington, Naas and Sallins
Route 885 will continue to serve Baltinglass, Stratford-On-Slaney, Dunlavin, Brannockstown, Ballymore Eustace, Blessington, Naas and Sallins at a higher frequency to improve connectivity from Baltinglass to Sallins.
The enhanced route will now operate six daily return services Monday to Friday and four daily return services Saturday and Sunday. It will also offer improved connectivity to Naas Hospital as well as to regional rail services in Sallins.
TFI Local Link Carlow Kilkenny Wicklow providing more access to services and onward connections seven days a week
Speaking ahead of the launch, TFI Local Link Carlow Kilkenny Wicklow Manager, Jackie Meally said:
“Due to the significant uptake on this service since it started in November 2023, the NTA is enhancing the route due to popular demand. We wish to thank members of the community in Baltinglass and surrounding areas for their input into the enhancement of the service.
“This newly enhanced route will provide people with more access to services and onward connections seven days a week.”
Additional information
For route and timetable information visit www.locallinkckw.ie
Learn more about the five year Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.
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The latest progress update has been published, and now we await the 2024 plan.
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TFI Route 139 will get a major uplift in frequency from 1st April
National Transport Authority enhances Route 139 from Blanchardstown to Naas
21ST MARCH 2024
The National Transport Authority (NTA) is enhancing bus services from Blanchardstown to Naas from Monday 1st of April.
Servicing Blanchardstown, Ongar, Leixlip, Maynooth, Rathcoffey, Clane, Sallins, and Naas
Route 139 will continue to serve TU Dublin in Blanchardstown, Ongar, Leixlip, Maynooth, Rathcoffey, Clane, Sallins, and Naas at a higher frequency to improve connectivity from Blanchardstown and Naas.
The enhanced route will now operate eighteen daily return services, seven days a week, offering increased connectivity with Dublin city bus routes and Irish Rail. This 100% increase on the current service will benefit students of Technological University Dublin’s Blanchardstown campus and Maynooth University, as well as providing a more convenient public transport alternative for shoppers.
Reliable and efficient public transport option
This improved service aims to make commuting easier and more convenient for residents and students in the Blanchardstown to Leixlip area, providing a reliable and efficient public transport option for their daily travels.
NTA has awarded the contract for the enhanced 139 service to JJ Kavanagh & Sons Limited. The service will operate under the ‘Transport for Ireland’ brand.
As a PSO route, schedules, timetables and fares are determined by NTA.
Leap fares offering great value for money
The Leap fares, starting at €1.25 for adults and €0.65 for children, students, and young adults (19 – 25), offer great value for money.
Passengers wishing to use a cash payment for a fare will also be accepted with rates starting from €1.70 for adults and €0.85 for children, students, and young adults.
Details of schedules and fares are available at the links below:
- Route 139 bus service connecting Naas and Blanchardstown
- Naas to Blanchardstown Bus Service
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OK, so basically the 139 will run hourly instead of every 2 hours and they updated the timings - previously the timetable read 39 minutes from Naas to Maynooth (34 after 7pm), while now it's going to be anything from 34 to 55. Anyone who uses this service knows it's usually running 20-40 minutes late and since they don't do RTPI, no-one knows when the bus will arrive. At least the new schedule looks a bit more realistic and the capacity increase is great news.
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Route 187 Amendment
The National Transport Authority (NTA), in partnership with Bus Éireann, is proposing to improve Route 187 and would like to hear your views. This enhancement 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 (TFI) Network.
The purpose of the amendment is to provide the following:
- Improve public transport service to and between Oldcastle, Ballyjamesduff, Virginia and Kells
- Provide a new service to Crossakiel and smaller areas of Meath and Cavan counties
- Increase the number of departures per day and improve the hours of operation of the 187 service with a new, more legible timetable.
The service is proposed to be amended in mid-2024.
Proposal
The NTA proposes to amend Route 187 as follows:
- Route 187 would be revised to operate between Virginia and Kells via Crossakiel, Oldcastle and Ballyjamesduff. The service would no longer operate along the N3. See Map 1.
- All journeys would serve Kells, Crossakiel, Oldcastle and Ballyjamesduff.
- Some journeys would operate between Oldcastle and Ballyjamesduff via Mount Nugent, whereas some others would operate via Castlerahan.
- Monday to Sunday, Route 187 would operate 6 journeys per day from Kells to Virginia and 5 journeys per day from Virginia to Kells.
As a consequence of the proposals:
- Route 187 would no longer operate along the N3 between Kells and Virginia, meaning some passengers will need to use Route 109X instead
- Some passengers could experience longer journey times, whereas others could experience shorter journey times
- The new timetable would affect all existing Route 187 passengers
Consultation on this revised service will run for 3 weeks. The closing date for submissions is 4pm on Monday 15 April 2024.
https://consult.nationaltransport.ie/en/consultation/route-187-amendment2 -
Another new route launching in Co. Wexford, which takes the routing of the once a week Bus Éireann route 375.
TFI Local Link Wexford launches new bus service from New Ross to Enniscorthy5TH APRIL 2024
TFI Local Link Wexford is launching a new bus service, which will improve connectivity between New Ross and Enniscorthy, from Monday 15th of April 2024.
Route 359 will operate five daily return services Monday to Saturday and three daily return services on Sunday and Public Holidays, creating a new connection from New Ross to Enniscorthy.
Enhanced connectivity to villages and areas of New Ross, Rathgarogue, Ballywilliam, Rathnure, Killanne, Kiltealy, Ballindaggan and Enniscorthy
The new route will provide a peak-time service for commuters to New Ross, an early morning service to Enniscorthy facilitating onward travel to Carlow and Dublin as well as improved connectivity to regional bus and rail services. The route will offer enhanced connectivity to villages and areas of New Ross, Rathgarogue, Ballywilliam, Rathnure, Killanne, Kiltealy, Ballindaggan and Enniscorthy.
Serving many historic and tourist sites such as Enniscorthy Castle
Speaking ahead of the launch TFI Local Link Wexford General Manager MaryB O’ Leary said: “We are delighted to launch this new service, which will provide daily bus services for villages that up to now had limited public transport options.
“The service to Enniscorthy provides a connection to onward public transport to Carlow and Dublin, in addition to providing a regular service for a number of areas in Enniscorthy allowing passengers to travel across the town.
“It will also serve the many historic & tourist sites in Enniscorthy such as Enniscorthy Castle, the National 1798 Rebellion Centre and the beautiful river walk. In New Ross, people can explore the Dunbrody Famine Ship, enjoy a historic walking tour, stroll along the banks of the river or enjoy the new greenway.”
Additional Information
For route and timetable information visit www.locallinkwexford.ie
To learn more about the five year Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan visit: www.nationaltransport.ie/connecting-ireland/
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A public consultation has been launched on planned changes to the service pattern on the Limerick-Shannon-Ennis corridor:
Public consultation on planned significant enhancements for bus route 343 from Limerick to Clare
18TH APRIL 2024
New 24 hour bus to serve Shannon Airport included in the plan
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has today opened a public consultation on plans to significantly enhance bus services from Limerick to Clare.
The NTA, in partnership with Bus Éireann and TFI Local Link Limerick Clare, is proposing to improve public transport between Limerick, Shannon and Ennis, including the hinterlands of Sixmilebridge, Quin and Kilmurry.
The planned improvements will make it easier to access Shannon Airport, with a new 24-hour bus service operating between the Airport, Shannon Town and Limerick.
Under the revised network bus services will operate at a higher frequency between Shannon and Limerick, with more departures to Ennis, Sixmilebridge, Kilmurry, Cratloe and Quin. It is proposed to split the network into four separate routes:
Route 343 Limerick to Shannon, by Bus Éireann
New Route 343 will run every 20 minutes at peak times, Monday to Friday, and every 30 minutes at other times during the day and all-day at the weekend between Limerick and Shannon, including Shannon Airport. The service which will be operated by Bus Éireann will run 24-hours a day with buses every 60 minutes throughout the night.
Route 330 Ennis to Shannon Airport via Shannon town, Clarecastle, Newmarket-on-Fergus – by Bus Éireann
New Route 330 will serve Ennis and Shannon Airport via Clarecastle, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Ballinooskny, Smithstown Industrial Estate, Shannon Town and Shannon Free Zone. The service will run every 60 minutes all-day with extra buses at peak times. It will be operated by Bus Éireann.
Route 316 Sixmilebridge to Shannon Airport by Bus Éireann
New Route 316 will run between Sixmilebridge and Shannon Airport via Smithstown Industrial Estate, Shannon Town and Shannon Free Zone. It will run every two hours daily, with extra buses at peak times Monday to Friday. It will be operated by Bus Éireann.
Route 317 Jetland Shopping Centre in Limerick to Ennis by TFI Local Link Limerick Clare
New Route 317 will serve the Jetland Shopping Centre in Limerick and Ennis via Cratloe, Sixmilebridge, Kimurry and Quin. It will run three times per day and will be operated by TFI Local Link Limerick Clare.
The public consultation will remain open for three weeks and closes at 4pm on Thursday 9th of May 2024
There is far more detail, including maps, on the consultation page here:
https://consult.nationaltransport.ie/en/consultation/route-343-amendment
Post edited by LXFlyer on4 -
A further public consultation has been launched for plans to revamp route 233 between Cork and Macroom.
This is to my mind a very welcome change, as the 233 timetable is very difficult to read, with multiple routings all under the same route number.
It also states the intention to expand services on all three main routes to a full seven day operation, and to extend to the western suburbs of Macroom.
An additional route (Route 256) is planned to link Macroom with Bantry via Ballingeary, seven days a week.
Public consultation on planned enhancement of Bus Route 233 Cork to Macroom
23RD APRIL 2024
The National Transport Authority (NTA) announced today the launch of a public consultation regarding the improvement of bus services along the Cork – Macroom corridor. The NTA, in partnership with Bus Éireann and TFI Local Link Cork, is proposing to re-structure and improve the level of service on Route 233 in County Cork.
Improved connectivity with regional and local services
The proposed enhancements improve the level of service and operating hours along the Macroom – Ballincollig – Cork City corridor on weekdays and throughout the weekends. We also propose to extend the route westwards in Macroom. The package of improvements will result in improved connectivity with regional and local services at Cork and Macroom Bus Stations.
The plan will involve splitting the service into three strands, organised into a northern variant (N), a central variant (C) and a southern variant (S):
Route 233N will follow the Macroom – Coachford – Dripsey – Ballincollig – Cork City route, diverting through Ballincollig instead of Lee Road before heading to Cork City via Carrigrohane Road.
Route 233C will operate on the Macroom – Crookstown – Faranes – Farran – Ovens (EMC) – Ballincollig pathway, connecting with urban Route 220 services in Ballincollig.
Route 233S will run on the Macroom – Kilmurry – Crookstown – Aherla – Killumney – Ballincollig – Cork City route.
The proposal also includes extending Route 233 to Lios Na Fea and Gurteenroe in the western suburbs of Macroom.
In addition, the proposed plan aims to introduce a new service, Route 256, to serve Macroom – Inchigeelagh – Ballingeary – Kealkill – Bantry and return, seven days a week.
Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan
This restructuring is part of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, which is a major initiative developed and funded by the NTA as part of the Transport for Ireland (TFI) Network.
The public consultation will run for three weeks and closes at 4pm on Monday 13th May 2024.
Have your say by clicking the link: Route 233 Amendment | National Transport Authority Consultation Portal
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The next change is that Local Link Route 129 linking Newbridge and Kilcullen is to be replaced by a much more frequent service, route 892, with some services extending to Dunlavin.
TFI Local Link Kildare South Dublin launches enhanced bus service from Dunlavin and Kilcullen to Newbridge
26TH APRIL 2024
TFI Local Link Kildare South Dublin is enhancing bus services from Dunlavin and Kilcullen to Newbridge from Tuesday 7th of May 2024.
Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan
This enhancement 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 (TFI) Network.
Route 892, formerly route 129, will now extend to Dunlavin and will operate eight daily return services, with four daily return services extending to Dunlavin, Monday to Saturday. Additionally, the enhanced route will operate seven daily return services, with three daily return services extending to Dunlavin, on Sunday.
Servicing Dunlavin, Brannockstown, Kilcullen, Athgarvan, Newbridge Town Centre, Newbridge Train Station, Rosconnell, College Farm, & Newbridge College
The route will offer enhanced connectivity to villages and areas such as Dunlavin, Brannockstown, Kilcullen, Athgarvan, Newbridge Town Centre, Newbridge Train Station, Rosconnell, College Farm, & Newbridge College.
The route will also provide peak-time and evening services as well as offering improved connectivity to regional bus and rail services in Kilcullen and Newbridge.
Providing tangible alternatives to private car dependency
Speaking ahead of the launch, TFI Local Link Kildare South Dublin General Manager Alan Kerry, said: “In partnership with the NTA we are growing our network and we are confident that Route 892 will provide real and tangible alternatives to private car dependency for people living along this route.
“The timetable is planned to offer connectivity to local train services, along with peak time arrivals into Newbridge to accommodate employment and education needs.
“Our weekend schedules will give people the option to leave their car at home and use the bus instead for meeting friends and social activities. Along with recent reductions in public transport fares and the introduction of the Young Adult Cards, we are hopeful this route will provide an additional catalyst to allow people to adopt public transport usage as part of their daily lives in rural Kildare.”
Additional Information
For route and timetable information visit locallinkkildaresouthdublin.ie or call (045) 980281
To learn more about the five year Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan visit: www.nationaltransport.ie/connecting-ireland/
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The latest Connecting Ireland quarterly bulletin has been published, linked to below.
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