Connecting Ireland Project Updates

L1011 · 16-10-2024 07:19PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122727045#Comment_122727045

You've seen what you think may be them

I've actually used them. They aren't empty.

Zebra3 · 16-10-2024 09:51PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122727045#Comment_122727045

They are empty?

Back up your claim then with the data. 👏

scrabtom · 16-10-2024 10:40PM

I think even if they were empty a lot of the time it would still be good.

It's a huge step towards creating a culture where people don't always have to drive everywhere, and is great for enabling people who don't have the option to drive or own a car in rural Ireland to get around the place.

LXFlyer · 24-10-2024 05:48AM

A new route 265 launches next Monday, 28th October, operating from Skibbereen to Mizen Head.

This offers a regular bus service beyond Goleen for the first time.

https://www.transportforireland.ie/news/tfi-local-link-to-introduce-bus-route-265-from-mizen-head-to-skibbereen/

TFI Local Link to introduce bus route 265 from Mizen Head to Skibbereen
18th October 2024
TFI Local Link Cork will introduce a new bus route from Mizen Head to Skibbereen from Monday the 28th of October.
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 (TFI) Network.
Route 265 enhancing service to Barleycove, Crookhaven, Goleen, Lowerton, Schull, Ballydehob, Aghadown, Lisheen and Church Cross
Route 265 will operate three daily return services Monday to Sunday and on Public Holidays. It will provide peak-time services and connectivity to regional bus services, the Mizen Head Visitor Centre, Crookhaven Harbour and Barleycove Beach.
The route will provide increased connectivity to the villages and areas of Barleycove, Crookhaven, Goleen, Lowerton, Schull, Ballydehob, Aghadown, Lisheen and Church Cross.
Improved access to a wide range of public and social services, training courses, colleges, hospital appointments, banks
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 bus and train connections”.
Additional information
For route and timetable information, call (027) 52727 or visit www.locallinkcork.ie

LXFlyer · 24-10-2024 05:52AM

TFI PR on the 187 and the M2 & M3 corridor changes.

https://www.transportforireland.ie/news/bus-eireann-announces-enhanced-route-187-kells-to-ballyjamesduff/

Bus Éireann announces enhanced Route 187, Kells to Ballyjamesduff
21st October 2024
Significantly enhanced services on the M3/M2 Corridor will provide improved punctuality and frequency
Route 187 (Kells to Ballyjamesduff) will offer increased services with six daily trips and new Sunday service for the first time.
Enhanced M2/M3 corridor will improve punctuality and frequency on Routes 103, 109, 109a, 109b, 109x, 111, 111a, 111x and NX.
The enhanced 109b service from Trim to Athboy will be extended to Kildalkey, providing greater connectivity in the region.
Routes 103 (Ratoath-Dublin) and NX (Navan-Dublin) will operate revised routes from Dublin city centre.
All core routes on M2/M3 corridor will use fully accessible buses with low floor access.
Enhancements will add 17 new driver roles.
Starts 27th October improved services on Route 187 and along the M2/M3 corridor
Bus Éireann is pleased to announce enhanced services and timetables on Route 187, Kells to Ballyjamesduff along with nine enhanced routes along the M2/M3 corridor, which will come into effect on Sunday, 27 October.
The significantly enhanced services are part of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, which is a major national public transport initiative developed and funded by the NTA as part of the Transport for Ireland (TFI) Network.
The improvements will benefit passengers in the region travelling for leisure, work and education as well as those making onward connections with bus and rail connections.
Route 187, Kells to Ballyjamesduff will now provide six daily trips, seven days a week offering a Sunday service for the very first time. The improved service will provide greater connectivity for passengers with the first service departing Kells daily at 6.00am and the last service at 22.10pm.
Enhancements on Routes 103, 109, 109a, 109b, 109x, 111, 111a, 111x and NX
The Connecting Ireland enhancements also include improved punctuality and frequency reflecting current traffic conditions on Routes 103 (Ratoath-Dublin), 109 (Kells to Dublin), 109a (Kells to Dublin Airport), 109b (Athboy to Dublin via Kildalkey), 109x (Cavan to Dublin), 111 (Athboy to Dublin), 111a (Cavan to Delvin), 111x (Clonmellon to Dublin) and the NX (Navan to Dublin).
Route 109b (Athboy to Dublin) will also be extended from Trim to Athboy via Kildalkey, providing additional services between the two towns and connecting Kildalkey to the public transport network throughout the day.
Fully accessible vehicles serving routes operating along the M2 / M3 Corridor
The core routes operating on the M2/M3 corridor will all be served by fully accessible vehicles as part of the NTA and Bus Éireann’s commitment to the provision of a fully accessible public transport system incorporating fully accessible vehicles and infrastructure.
Improved punctuality and reliability for work, leisure, health and education
“Bus Éireann is delighted to introduce these improved services in the Eastern region, significantly increasing transport options for passengers travelling between Meath and Cavan as well as our services operating on the M2/M3 corridor,” said Adrian O’Loughlin, Senior Regional Manager, Eastern Region Bus Éireann. “These improvements will particularly positively impact those commuting to the city centre for work, leisure, health and education – providing improved punctuality and reliability. These updates are the result of a strong collaboration between the NTA and Bus Éireann to enhance connectivity across the country and deliver an affordable, reliable and sustainable bus service for communities throughout Ireland, helping to make life better.”
Updated service details and timetables are available at www.buseireann.ie
Further Infromation
Route 103 (Ratoath to Dublin) & NX (Navan to Dublin) will operate a revised outbound route travelling from Dublin city centre which will better mirror the route travelling towards the city centre. These routes will now serve stops at Broadstone and Phibsborough Shopping Centre travelling outwards (replacing stops at Mountjoy Square West, Innisfallon Parade and Binn’s Bridge).
Route 103 (Ratoath to Dublin) will no longer serve Emerald Park directly, passengers can now interchange with Route 105 (Blanchardstown to Drogheda) services in Ashbourne to travel onwards to Emerald Park.

LXFlyer · 24-10-2024 11:56AM

Latest update from the NTA on what’s happened this year so far and still to come.

https://www.nationaltransport.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Connecting-Ireland-Q2-2024-Bulletin.pdf

questionmark? · 24-10-2024 01:32PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122757828#Comment_122757828

120 new or enhanced services is great progress especially considering the low base starting point. Roughly half way through the five year plan, fingers crossed the next government doesn't cut but as a minimum sticks with it and hopefully invests even more.

end of the road · 25-10-2024 12:27AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122726872#Comment_122726872

nope wrong fake news i am afraid, this is just another anti-green whinge fest because FFG are engaging in necessary modernisation for which the greens are being blamed for, dispite the fact that FFG were always planning to do it and are going to continue to do it without the greens.

this vital modernisation will hugely benefit the country and drag it into the 22nd century and beyond, future proofing it for the climate crisis to come.

nearby_cheetah · 25-10-2024 02:32PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122760728#Comment_122760728

You're wrong. No one wanted these bus routes. There were no protests. There was no noise about it. The Swilly has been closed 10 years in rural Donegal and no one give a toss.

The priority in improving busses should have been in the towns and cities but that would be too much hard work from Ryan to tackle nimbyism. That's where the noise is.

So they take the easy option of putting empty buses on rural roads to dupe people like you into thinking something is being achieved with these ridiculous copy and paste press releases.

LXFlyer · 25-10-2024 03:56PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122762754#Comment_122762754

As I posted above, but you ignored, there is expansion in the towns and cities - there is a new network being rolled out in Dublin, with the next phase happening in November, and there are going to be new networks in Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford to start rolling out from next year, but they all require substantial additional driver resources to deliver, which is proving difficult to find quickly. The new infrastructure will start to be delivered from 2025 in Dublin.

New or expanded town services have been rolled out in Clonmel, Carlow, Kilkenny, Navan and Drogheda in recent years, and new town networks are going to be rolled out in Letterkenny, Ennis, Portlaoise and Mullingar over the next year.

Delivering expanded services in rural areas takes far less resources than in towns and cities - often a single bus and driver is all that is needed.

As someone who has made a point of going out and sampling the new services all around the country, my experience is that they are anything but empty. They are making a real difference to communities.

You seem to have a problem with the concept of enabling people to use public transport where they previously had no choice but to drive or rely on other people to provide them with lifts. Thankfully the political parties don’t agree with you and are committed to implementing a full network of bus services that will facilitate people getting to work and college, across the country and supporting tourism too.

When was the last time you actually used public transport can I ask and how often do you do so?

Ireland trains · 25-10-2024 04:05PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122762754#Comment_122762754

The improvement in regional and outer-suburban (mainly Bus Eireann) are quite substantial, like Limerick-Shannon which now has a 24 hour service. I’ve also had several people who haven’t been on a bus in decades comment on how well the new double decker (LF I think) look, which can only be a good thing in changing peoples perception of public transport.
I can’t speak to locallink services, but I’ve heard stories from people about how they were the only one onboard.

It does seem a bit odd that the NTA continue with this brand while they’ve greatly diminished both the BÉ and DB brands.

Drivers seem to be the main constraint on city service expansion, and I doubt LL is diverting drivers from city services.

nearby_cheetah · 25-10-2024 05:18PM

That's a point I hadn't even considered, far easier for drivers to work these low volume, traffic free bus routes rather than work the towns and cities, diverting labour away from urban areas where's it needed.

The NTA are planning all these urban bus routes..why weren't they priotized first? In what sensible organisation, is the least demand - none in some of these frequent rural routes - satisfied first?

When the Greens are turfed out and the Independents put in, roads will go where roads are needed and buses will go where buses are needed and can't come soon enough.

LXFlyer · 25-10-2024 05:21PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122763279#Comment_122763279

So basically your post is just bluster, and a load of supposition, ignoring what I wrote above?

nearby_cheetah · 25-10-2024 05:24PM

If they'd even run these rural buses after pub closing times at least, would be far more beneficial to more people to get them home after going on the beer in the nearby town and out of the house. But enjoying one's self goes against the Green agenda.

LXFlyer · 25-10-2024 05:27PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122763298#Comment_122763298

They do in many locations.

end of the road · 25-10-2024 08:34PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122762754#Comment_122762754

nope wrong fake news again i'm afraid.
the people wanted more busses and bus routes and they are getting them, they won't be 100% perfect but they are better then what went previously for a number of areas and will enable greater social mobility.
the priority in improving buses is in the towns and cities, always was, these other bus routes are easy to implement so are being done at the same time but the priority is the town and city buses.
ryan has nothing to do with this, this was on the cards before he came in to power, so yes, just another anti-green/ryan rant because you are being forced to pay the full cost of using your car.
the empty buses are a myth, the services are being used, modernisation is happening and the old ways are discredited, we did things your way and it failed.

end of the road · 25-10-2024 08:46PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122763279#Comment_122763279

apart from perhapse the cork to limerick motor way, there will be no more roads built due to high expensivity, climate change, and the fact there is enough road capacity to serve everywhere.

this is whether the greens are turfed out or not as what is happening is FFG policy and was committed to before the greens came to power, because FFG now understand that the high costs and inefficiency of pandering to single occupant space waster cars is crippling the country and stifling social mobility and economic activity.

nearby_cheetah · 25-10-2024 10:38PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122763917#Comment_122763917

Nah, the Independents will get the roads built. That's why they'll form the next Government. What FF or FG want won't be considered.

end of the road · 25-10-2024 10:49PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122764322#Comment_122764322

FG is still the most popular party followed by FF, independants will get nothing done because few will be elected.

even if enough were elected, there are no actual roads to be built anyway apart from the cork to limerick motor way.

LXFlyer · 29-11-2024 01:14PM

Next up is a replacement for a recently withdrawn commercial route between Athlone, Moate, Clara and Tullamore.

https://www.transportforireland.ie/news/tfi-local-link-to-introduce-new-service-route-815-between-tullamore-and-athlone-from-monday-2nd-of-december/

TFI Local Link to introduce new service Route 815 between Tullamore and Athlone from Monday, 2nd of December
22nd November 2024
From Monday, 2nd of December, TFI Local Link Laois Offaly will introduce a new bus service operating between Tullamore and Athlone.
Route 815 connecting Tullamore, Athlone Train Stations, Athlone TUS and Tullamore Hospital
Route 815 will operate five return services daily, between Monday and Sunday with an additional late evening service operating from Thursday to Sunday. The new route will offer peak-time and evening services, providing improved connectivity to both Tullamore & Athlone Train Stations, as well as Athlone TUS, Tullamore Hospital and other regional bus services along its route.
Enhanced bus service for Clara and Moate
The new service will provide enhanced connectivity for communities in the villages and areas of Clara and Moate.
Speaking ahead of the launch, TFI Local Link Laois Offaly General Manager, Frances Byrne said: “We are delighted to announce the new service addition for TFI Local Link Laois Offaly, which will further improve and enhance public transport and connectivity in Offaly. This service will connect towns for work, education and social needs with multiple services across the week.”
Additional Information
For route and timetable information visit www.locallinklaoisoffaly.ie

LXFlyer · 29-11-2024 01:18PM

Following on from this, route 177 will launch linking Kells with Ardee.

https://www.transportforireland.ie/news/tfi-local-link-to-introduce-a-new-bus-service-between-kells-and-ardee/

TFI Local Link to introduce a new bus service between Kells and Ardee
29th November 2024
TFI Local Link Louth Meath Fingal is set to introduce a new route 177 bus service, operating between Kells and Ardee from Monday, 9th of December 2024.
Offering improved links to regional bus services, health services and schools
Route 177 will operate five daily return services, enhancing connectivity in the areas of Kells, Carlanstown, Moynalty, Kilmainhamwood, Nobber, Drumconrath and Ardee.
The service will also operate in the evening and at peak-times to provide improved links to regional bus services, Kells Primary Care Centre, Kilmainhamwood Nursing Home, Nobber Library, O’Carolan College and the Ardee Bypass.
Additional Information:
For route and timetable information call (046) 907 4830 or visit www.locallinklmf.ie

LXFlyer · 06-12-2024 06:41PM

The second of two new routes in West Cork will launch on 16th December.

Route 266 will link Baltimore and Skibbereen with Castletownshend (Route 266a) and with Union Hall (Route 266b).

https://www.transportforireland.ie/news/tfi-local-link-to-introduce-new-bus-service-route-266-between-baltimore-and-castletownshend/

TFI Local Link to introduce new bus service Route 266 between Baltimore and Castletownshend
6th December 2024
From the 16th of December, TFI Local Link will introduce a new bus service between Baltimore and Castletownshend.
The new route is part of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, 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 266 will service Baltimore Pier, Skibbereen Care Centre, Skibbereen Cathedral and Castletownshend Main Street
Route 266 will operate eight return services, daily from Monday to Saturday, with seven services operating on Sunday.
The service will improve transport availability, particularly during evening and peak-times hours of travel and enhance connectivity to key destinations including Baltimore Pier, Skibbereen Care Centre, Skibbereen Cathedral and Castletownshend Main Street.
It will also provide improved links to the villages and areas of Baltimore, Old Court, Skibbereen, Derryleigh Bridge, Union Hall and Abbeystrewry.
A significant improvement in the quality of life for people in Baltimore, Old Court, Skibbereen, Derryleigh Bridge, Union Hall and Abbeystrewry
Speaking ahead of the launch, TFI Local Link 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, access to and from the islands, etc. along with onward bus connections”
Additional information
For route and timetable information, call (027) 52727 or visit www.locallinkcork.ie

LXFlyer · 13-12-2024 01:34PM

Route 897 between Kilkenny and Athy is to have additional evening services.

https://www.transportforireland.ie/news/tfi-local-link-to-enhance-bus-services-with-route-897-from-kilkenny-to-athy/

TFI Local Link to enhance bus services with route 897 from Kilkenny to Athy
11th December 2024
From the 19th of December, TFI Local Link Carlow Kilkenny will enhance bus services from Kilkenny to Athy.
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 897 enhancing connectivity to Kilkenny City and Moneenroe, as well as Dunmore, Henebry’s Cross, Jenkinstown, Ballyragget and Ballylinan
Route 897 will be enhanced to include a new evening service on from Thursday to Saturday between Kilkenny City and Moneenroe. The enhanced route will now operate four daily return services Monday to Wednesday, five daily return services Thursday to Saturday and three daily return services on Sunday.
The route will continue to provide peak-time services, improving connectivity to regional bus and rail services. It will also provide greater connectivity to villages and areas of Dunmore, Henebry’s Cross, Jenkinstown, Ballyragget, Brynesgrove, Cadtlecomer, Moneenroe, Crettyard, Newtown Cross, Killeshin, Carlow, Ballickmoyler, Arles, Pedigree Corner and Ballylinan.
Increased travel options for people wishing to socialise, for people working late, for late night shopping and other leisure activities
Speaking ahead of the launch TFI Local Link Carlow Kilkenny Wicklow General Manager Jackie Meally said, “This additional schedule for the TFI Local Link 897 service on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights will give increased travel options for people wishing to socialise, late night shopping and other leisure activities along with travel options for people working late from north-east Kilkenny and will further connect to towns and villages in the north-east Kilkenny area.”
Additional Information
For route and timetable information, visit www.locallinkckw.ie

LXFlyer · 13-12-2024 01:36PM

Route 439 is to be introduced between Galway and Loughrea to add much requested evening connectivity.

https://www.transportforireland.ie/news/tfi-local-link-to-introduce-route-439-new-bus-service-between-galway-and-loughrea/

TFI Local Link to introduce route 439 – new bus service between Galway and Loughrea
13th December 2024
Improved connectivity to Galway Cathedral, Eyre Square, The G Hotel, ATU Galway City and Oranmore Centre from 23rd of December.
From the 23rd of December, TFI Local Link Galway will introduce route 439 bus service between Galway and Loughrea.
Route 439 servicing Oranmore, Derrydonnell Cross, Craughwell, Athenry Road and Loughrea
Route 439 will operate three evening services Monday to Sunday including public holidays. The route will offer connectivity to Galway Cathedral, Eyre Square, The G Hotel, ATU Galway City and Oranmore Centre as well as improved connectivity for the villages and areas of Oranmore, Derrydonnell Cross, Craughwell, Athenry Road and Loughrea.
Evening and night connection – vital for students, workers and the general travelling public
Speaking ahead of the launch, TFI Local Link Galway General Manger Joe Greally said: “TFI Local Link Galway are delighted to deliver this vital connection between Galway City and Loughrea. Presently there is no evening/night connection to Loughrea from Galway City. This new service will deliver a vital public transport link for students, workers and the general travelling public. 3 connecting services will enhance the lives of those living along the route and deliver a viable option to the private car.”
Additional Information:
For route and timetable information visit www.locallinkgalway.ie/

LXFlyer · 13-12-2024 01:38PM

New route 818 will link Mullingar, Collinstown and Castlepollard.

https://www.transportforireland.ie/news/tfi-local-link-launches-new-bus-service-818-between-mullingar-and-castlepollard-via-collinstown/

TFI Local Link launches new bus service 818 between Mullingar and Castlepollard via Collinstown
13th December 2024
TFI Local Link Longford Westmeath Roscommon is launching a new bus route 818 which will improve connectivity between Mullingar and Castlepollard from the 23rd of December.
Route 818 connecting to Midland Regional Hospital, Mullingar Station, Lough Sheever Business Park, and Mullingar Town
Route 818 will operate five daily return services Monday to Thursday, eight daily return services on Friday, seven daily return services on Saturday and five daily return services on Sunday. The new route will offer peak-time and evening services, as well as connectivity to regional bus services, Midland Regional Hospital, Mullingar Station, Lough Sheever Business Park, and Mullingar Town.
The new route will connect the villages and areas of Collinstown, Crookedwood, Taghmon, Knockdrin, Sherwood Park, Castle Street, and Harbour Street. Additionally, passengers will have greater connections to rail and bus services serving Dublin, Sligo, and all destinations in between.
Improves connectivity and the overall well-being and quality of life for rural communities
Speaking ahead of the launch, TFI Local Link Longford Westmeath Roscommon General Manager, Damien O’Neill said: “This new service exemplifies the ongoing enhancement of rural transport services in Ireland. The National Transport Authority and TFI Local Link are dedicated to offering residents in rural areas more sustainable travel options.
Their commitment is evident in providing affordable, comfortable, and safe transport solutions, ensuring that those living in rural Ireland have access to reliable and environmentally responsible transportation. This effort not only improves connectivity but also supports the overall well-being and quality of life for rural communities”.
Additional Information
For route and timetable information, visit locallinklwr.ie

Geuze · 14-12-2024 12:05AM

New route 439 from Galway city to Loughrea.

It's hardly three busses all one way? There must be a return?

The timetable displayed in the announcement on the website is all in one direction.

https://www.locallinkgalway.ie/post/tfi-local-link-to-introduce-new-service-between-galway-and-loughrea

LXFlyer · 14-12-2024 04:31AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122954619#Comment_122954619

The route is being provided due to there being no buses out of Galway after 18:00 to Loughrea on route 763.

The Citylink route 763 already provides a commercial service into Galway every two hours throughout the evening from Loughrea with buses coming from Dublin.

It is just needed one way.

Geuze · 15-12-2024 04:58PM

I see, thanks.

I wonder is it the same bus and driver doing the three trips?

LXFlyer · 15-12-2024 06:10PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122958974#Comment_122958974

Yes it would be.

Geuze · 16-12-2024 12:32AM

Ok.

I wonder is there a reason they don't carry pax on the trips back to GY?

Connecting Ireland Project Updates

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