Connecting Ireland Project Updates

LXFlyer · 06-08-2025 06:22AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123699702#Comment_123699702

An utterly ridiculous change for which there was no publicity whatsoever - the only reason the 236 runs to Castletownbere is to provide a link to/from Cork.

The running times have been extended which may be impacting on driver hours, and it seems that someone in the scheduling department took their eye off the ball in coming up with a schedule that fits with the buses and drivers availability but forgets about the customer.

seekers · 07-08-2025 06:09PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123699702#Comment_123699702

A real NTA mess, Move the route to someone else and let Bus Eireann try to explain.

Mrs OBumble · 07-08-2025 09:01PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123697377#Comment_123697377

RTPI is waste of resources, there's far better data shown in bustimes.org and the like.

L1011 · 07-08-2025 09:16PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123705152#Comment_123705152

Not everyone has a smartphone, and not everyone who has a smartphone knows what bustimes is.

RTPI signs are required at all heavily used stops, and also all railway stations

john boye · 07-08-2025 09:20PM

I'd also say that Bustimes.org probably isn't user friendly to everyone.

Polar101 · 07-08-2025 09:32PM

And you can't base travel information on an "unofficial" website. I use it too, but not as a substitute to RTPI at stops.

LXFlyer · 07-08-2025 09:42PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123705233#Comment_123705233

While the signs are important, I would certainly disagree with your statement above.

Of course you can use bustimes or even better the Transit app to get live information - in particular to see where the buses physically are - that’s far more relevant and useful information than just a predictive time on a sign.

The information powering all of them is coming from the same source.

Mrs OBumble · 07-08-2025 11:33PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123705259#Comment_123705259

If

The information powering all of them is coming from the same source.

then how can I be standing at a bus stop, watching a bus moving closer to me and then arrive at my stop on bustimes.org - while the RTPI sign at the stop says the next bus is 20 (or whatever) minutes away? Has happened more than once. I take the RTPI signs with a rather large grain of salt these days.

Now, bustimes isn't perfect, the drivers definitely have ways around it. My favourite example involves me standing on a long straight road (Parkmore Rd, for those who know), and watching two buses "drive" past me on bustimes, while in real life there were definitely NO buses on the road, and there's no parallel road they could have been on either. This has only happened once, but was quite surreal at the time.

LXFlyer · 07-08-2025 11:38PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123705442#Comment_123705442

That is a discussion for a whole different thread than this one to be honest.

Mrs OBumble · 07-08-2025 11:47PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123675745#Comment_123675745

Sure does, especially when parked at a city bus stop!

Some people think it's a nutty conspiracy theory, but I have a lurking suspicion that getting the public used to seeing private bus company vehicles which look like this is part of a wider plan.

LXFlyer · 08-08-2025 06:27AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123705456#Comment_123705456

Once again, It's a midi bus - the type is used in various parts of the country on other Local Link routes.

And yes, it is a nutty conspiracy theory as I very clearly explained to you already - Bus Éireann has continued to expand focussing on regional, commuter and city / town services.

The wider plan is expanding the bus service all across the country, which is a good thing.

LXFlyer · 08-08-2025 12:34PM

Back onto updates on Connecting Ireland and the provincial route network…

This week Bus Éireann once a week routes 134, 135 and 136 into Navan have ceased operating, along with once a week routes 258 and 259 into Macroom. I can't see direct replacements for them online.

More Bus Éireann timetable changes from 24th August include Bus Éireann once a week routes 442, 443, 444 in Mayo ceasing operation, along with route 445 between Ballina and Ballycastle via Killala.

https://buseireann.ie/news/timetable-updates

Timetable updates
We wish to advise customers of changes to Bus Éireann timetables effective 24 August 2025:
Our current timetables can be viewed at Bus Éireann | Routes and Timetables
Punctuality Reviews
The following timetables will be amended following a punctuality review:
320, Limerick to Charleville
336, Ennis to Doonbeg
456, Galway to Castlebar via Westport
480, Sligo to Derry
490, Donegal to Glencolumbcille
492, Donegal to Dungloe
Service Cancellations
Bus Éireann will no longer operate the following routes:
442, Charlestown to Roundfort
443, Ballina to Farragh Cross
444, Ballina to Dromore West
445, Ballina – Ballycastle via Kilalla
Bus Stop Alterations
The following routes will have bus stop changes:
107, Navan to Kingscourt: Stop relocation at Kilmainhamwood
109A, Dublin Airport to Kells: Martry Cross bus stop will be renamed Martry
111, Dublin to Athboy: Stops will be added at MSD and Fairy House
354, Carrick-on-Suir to Dunmore East: New Route Pattern and stops will be added at Dunmore East

LXFlyer · 08-08-2025 12:38PM

Many Bus Éireann routes will have their school term extra departures restored on 24th August, while other routes will see running times altered to reflect the return of schools and colleges traffic.

Seasonal route 486 to Lough Derg finishes up at the end of the 2025 season.

https://buseireann.ie/news/timetable-alterations-Aug

Timetable Alterations
We wish to advise customers of alterations to a number of timetables effective 24 August 2025 due to seasonal changes.
All timetables operated by Bus Éireann can be viewed at Bus Éireann | Routes and Timetables
Eastern Region including Dublin, Meath, Louth & Westmeath
101x: Dublin (Wilton Terrace) – Drogheda (Termonabbey) via Balbriggan
103x: Dublin – Navan via Ashbourne
105x: Fairyhouse Road – Dublin via Ratoath
109: Dublin to Kells
111x: Dublin to Clonmellen
115: Dublin to Mullingar
160: Dundalk – Newry via Ravensdale
161: Dundalk – Newry via Carlingford
174: Dundalk Town Service
NV1: Commons Road – Metges Road
NV2: Commons Road – Aisling Place
Southern Region including Cork and Waterford
31: Parnell Place - Knockraha
201: CUH - Boherboy
205: MTU – Kent Station via College Rd
206: Grange – South Mall
207: Donnybrook - Glenheights
207A: Glenthorn – Merchants Quay via Glen Ave.
214: CUH – Glyntown via St Patrick St
219: MTU – Mahon Point via Douglas
220X: Ovens – Crosshaven
220: Ovens – Fort Camden via Carrigaline
223: South Mall – Haulbowline via Monkstown
235: Cork – Rylane via Stuake
236: Cork – Glengarriff via Bantry
239: Cork – Butlerstown via Bandon
241: Cork – Trabolgan via Midleton
245: Cork – Clonmel via Fermoy
248: Cork – Glenville via Carrignavar
260: Cork – Ardmore via Youghal
360A: Waterford – Tramore via Riverstown Business Park
360: Waterford – Tramore
Western Region including Limerick, Clare, Galway, Mayo, Donegal
301 Father Russel Road – Westbury via Henry Street
302 Henry Street – Sarsfield Street
303 Pineview – Kilmallock Road via Henry Street
304 UL – Raheen via William Street - Stop Change
304A Raheen – UL via Parnell Street – Stop Change
305 William Street – Liddy Street via Lynwood Park
305A Liddy Street – William Street
313 Arthurs Quay – Ardnacrusha via Parteen
316 Shannon Airport - Sixmilebridge
330 Ennis – Shannon Airport
333 Ennis – Kilkee
347 Limerick – Tipperary
401 Parkmore Road – Doctor Mannix Road via Eyre Square
402 Shangort Road to Merlin Park via Eyre Square
404 Oranmore to Westside via Eyre Square
405 Gort na Bró to Ballybane via Eyre Square
407 Eyre Square to Bóthar an Chóiste
409 Eyre Square – An Pháirc Mhór via Atlantic Technological University (ATU)
424 Galway – Lettermullen via Carraroe
486 Lough Derg

LXFlyer · 08-08-2025 12:40PM

New Local Link route 530 will be introduced on 18th August, linking Fermoy with Mallow eight times a day Monday to Saturday, and one less round trip on Sundays, filling a major hole in the bus network.

https://www.transportforireland.ie/news/new-tfi-local-link-route-530-to-be-introduced-18-aug-connecting-fermoy-and-mallow/

New TFI Local Link Route 530 to be introduced 18 Aug connecting Fermoy and Mallow
8th August 2025
From 18 August, a new TFI Local Link Cork Route 530 will be introduced between Fermoy and Mallow.
Expanded Travel Options and Improved Regional Connectivity
Route 530 will support the current Door-to-Door service offering between Mallow and Fermoy offering passengers more ways to travel and will operate seven daily return services Monday to Sunday with an additional early morning service operating from Monday to Saturday.
Connecting Ballyhooly, Castletownroche, Killavullen and Mallow Train Station
The new route will provide peak-time and evening services and will also improve connectivity to Mallow Train Station to facilitate onward travel, regional bus services and to the villages and areas of Ballyhooly, Castletownroche and Killavullen.
Improved Access to training colleges, hospital appointments, Bus and Rail connections
Speaking ahead of the launch, TFI Local Link Cork General Manager David O’Brien said “TFI Local Link Cork recognises that localised transport solutions are an essential component in combating rural isolation
“This new service will provide people living along the route with access to services and onward connections on a daily basis. The enhanced service 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, etc. supported with Bus and Rail onward connections”.
Additional Information
Route and timetable information, is available at www.locallinkcork.ie
Learn more about the five year Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan

LXFlyer · 08-08-2025 12:41PM

Local Link Cork route 254 between Bandon and Kinsale will now serve the Eli Lilly plant near Kinsale from 11 August.

seekers · 11-08-2025 08:25PM

Rotue 423 Cliffden to wesport railway station doesn't serve the station in westport for some reason

seekers · 12-08-2025 08:21AM

Another peculiar thing about the NTAs new routes is that like the Commercial operators leave from a different place than the bus eireann ones. This hapless with the 230/237 busses on the skibbereen route in Cork and the busses on the Clifden route in Galway. Sone of these are quite a distance from each other

LXFlyer · 13-08-2025 03:58PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123661482#Comment_123661482

Two weekly Local Link Cork DRT routes have replaced them.

IMG_2261.png

IMG_2262.png

Taisteal Éireann · 14-08-2025 10:05PM

https://www.facebook.com/nolancoaches/posts/pfbid031DWu2dcSeHyLzk7y9CLreqKdZ95juYsh8b6osjMBNNrrSqWBeEt67PuxQR7ptjFBl

Looks like Route 199 between Bray and Glendalough will be starting soon enough. Nolan Coaches will be the operator and it'll likely be just a single vehicle going back and forth.

LXFlyer · 15-08-2025 04:22AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123706473#Comment_123706473

https://buseireann.ie/news/timetable-updates

The notice has now changed and in fact route 445 (Ballina-Killala-Ballycastle) is not being cancelled after all.

In fact it is once a week route 455 from Ballina to Crossmolina (via Moygownagh) that is being withdrawn - it was a typo in the original post by Bus Éireann.

LXFlyer · 15-08-2025 04:55PM

More new services being introduced - firstly in Cork on 25th August is route 255 linking Kinsale and MTU Bishopstown, which has been requested by locals for some time.

https://www.transportforireland.ie/news/tfi-local-link-to-introduce-new-route-255-between-kinsale-and-cork-west/

TFI Local Link to introduce new Route 255 between Kinsale and Cork West
15th August 2025
From 25 August, TFI Local Link Cork will introduce new Route 255 between Kinsale and Cork West.
Part of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan
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 255 Service Details
Frequency:
Four daily return services from Charles Fort to MTU Bishopstown, operating Monday to Sunday
Forthill
Kinsale College
Kinsale Community Hospital
Halfway
Ballinhassig
Wilton Shopping Centre
Cork University Hospital
Munster TU Campus
Regional bus services
Service Type:
Includes peak-time services to support commuters and students
Significant improvement in quality of life
Speaking ahead of the launch, TFI Local Link Cork General Manager David O’Brien said:
“TFI Local Link Cork recognises that localised transport solutions are an essential component in combating rural isolation.”
“This new service will provide people living along the route with access to services and onward connections on a daily basis. The enhanced service 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, etc., supported with onward connections”.
Additional Information
Route and timetable information, is available at www.locallinkcork.ie
Learn more about the five year Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan

LXFlyer · 15-08-2025 05:00PM

Also launching on 25th August is a new service in Cavan / Leitrim, route 172 linking Cootehill and Virginia, via Shercock and Bailieborough, filling a large gap in the network, and changes to route 929 which will no longer serve Corlough, but operate from Ballinamore to Cavan.

https://www.transportforireland.ie/news/tfi-local-link-cavan-monaghan-launches-new-route-and-enhances-existing-service-from-25-august/

TFI Local Link Cavan Monaghan launches new route and enhances existing service from 25 August
15th August 2025
From 25 August, TFI Local Link Cavan Monaghan will introduce new Route 172 between Cootehill and Virginia and will enhance Route 929 between Ballinamore and Cavan.
New TFI Local Link Route 172: Cootehill to Virginia
From 25 August, TFI Local Link Cavan Monaghan will introduce Route 172 between Cootehill and Virginia.
Four daily return services (Monday to Saturday)
Three daily return services (Sundays)
Additional morning service (Monday to Saturday) from Bailieborough to Virginia, arriving before 9 am
Areas Served:
Lisnasaran, Drumbrade, Shercock, Lear, Bailieborough, Beagh Glebe
Connectivity:
Links to regional bus services and provides peak-time and evening travel options
Enhanced Route 929: Ballinamore to Cavan
Route 929 will be enhanced to improve service between Ballinamore and Cavan.
Six daily return services (Monday to Friday)
Five daily return services (Saturday and Sunday)
New stops added: Crossdoney and Ballinamore Town
No longer serving: Corlough
Connection via the 572 service from Ballinamore to Sligo
Access to Cavan Institute and Cavan Bus Station for onward travel
Service to Crossdoney, Killeshandra, Doogary, and Newtowngore
Includes peak-time and evening services
Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan
These new and enhanced routes are 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.
Supporting Communities Through Enhanced Public Transport Connectivity
Speaking ahead of the launch, TFI Local Link Cavan Monaghan Manager Padraic Smyth said:
“We recognise the growing demand for public transport and are pleased that our close collaboration with the NTA has led to the introduction of a new service, as well as the enhancement of an existing one. We look forward to seeing these services thrive and are confident that communities along the improved 929 route and the new 172 route will benefit greatly. We believe that this kind of connectivity plays a vital role in sustaining and supporting these areas.”
Additional Information
For route and timetable information call 047 51840 or visit www.locallinkcm.ie
Learn more about the five-year Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan .

seekers · 21-08-2025 06:30AM

I'm always impressed with some of the local link routes where they don't display a destination on the front of the bus and just travel around the country without any passengers. the other one is an A4 sheet with something written on it.

seekers · 21-08-2025 01:26PM

Having travelled the 350b and 351 routes, I foud them to be well supported, in the mid mornings anyways. The early departure from Ennis are quiet enough but there was still a few on them. The traditional catchment of Lisdoonvarna northwards is reasonably full. The busses from Galway southbound are all full to the cliffs of moher and the 350 still provises an imprtant service from there to Ennis. The 351 bus was almost full all the way to Doolin in the morning but emptied out there. There is an overlap with the 350 bus from Lisdoonvarna.

The biggest problem with both these routes is the width of the roads in North Clare. The amount of coach traffic slows up the busses even on the main road. Corkscrew hill will be interesting in the winter. The Fanore service did have specific customers. More than the road between Lisdoonvarna and Ballyvaughan. Maybe a smaller local link bus?

p_haugh · 21-08-2025 02:37PM

I was looking at the proposals for Wexford (specifically the Gorey→Wexford corridor) and I noticed that they include an upgraded Route 379 between Gorey and Wexford along the Coast Road. Currently, the 379 only covers the full Gorey→Wexford route once a week in each direction, on a Saturday. The proposed three daily return services would be a big improvement on that!

At present, the northern part of the Coast Road is served mainly by the 389, which runs six daily return trips between Riverchapel, Courtown, and Gorey, and by the 879, a loop service from Gorey via Ballycanew, Ballygarrett, and Courtown. It's difficult to find much info on the 879 but seems to be a privately run service.

Map of the proposed changes from the public consultation:

p_haugh · 21-08-2025 02:40PM

Also, it seems service enhancements for the 132 (I believe under the Connecting Ireland plan) have been postponed indefinitely:

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EB4jAZqwZ/

Taisteal Éireann · 22-08-2025 10:44AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123742152#Comment_123742152

Fairly shocking that if true. It's the one commuter route that still has a skeleton service with no real alternatives.

There needs to be a better allocation of resources from the NTA. Commuter routes like the 109, 111 and 115 (bar the Maynooth-Dublin section) carry air for most of the day. You could very easier take one or two vehicles and drivers off these routes and onto the 132 for the proposed eight services a day.

LXFlyer · 22-08-2025 01:20PM

I believe that there are some funding battles going on within government at the moment between departments with DPER trying to pull back the reins on current spending - the effect being that improvements like those planned for the 132 are being held back.

Utterly daft as the staff are hired and ready to go I believe.

Other service expansions are still going ahead as contracts had been signed to provide them before this.

LXFlyer · 22-08-2025 01:27PM

Local Link route 189 is getting a sizeable improvement from 01 September.

https://www.transportforireland.ie/news/tfi-local-link-route-189-bus-enhancements-navan-to-enfield-via-trim-from-01-september/

TFI Local Link Route 189 bus enhancements Navan to Enfield via Trim from 01 September
22nd August 2025
Enhancements for Enfield, Longwood, Trim and Navan
This enhanced 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.
Increased Frequency and Service Coverage
Route 189 is doubling its frequency and will now operate up to 10 daily return services from Monday to Sunday to connect Enfield, Longwood, Trim and Navan. The enhanced route offers peak-time and evening services and connectivity to Enfield Train Station, Our Lady’s Hospital, Claremont Stadium and regional bus services.
Connecting Moathill, Elm View, Robinstown, Dunderry, Mornington and Longwood
The enhanced route provides increased connectivity for the villages and areas of Moathill, Elm View, Robinstown, Dunderry, Mornington and Longwood.
Improving access to the Enfield train station, Trim Primary Care Centre and Navan Hospital
Speaking ahead of the launch, TFI Local Link Louth Meath Fingal Manager Richie Sheehy said:
“We are delighted to introduce the enhanced Route 189, developed through collaboration with the National Transport Autho4rity to meet the growing demand for public transport. This long-awaited upgrade brings greater frequency, capacity, and connectivity. We believe that by improving access to the Enfield train station, Trim Primary Care Centre and Navan Hospital, it will make a lasting difference in people’s lives.”.
Additional Information:
For route and timetable information visit www.locallinklmf.ie.
Learn more about the five-year Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.

Geuze · 22-08-2025 01:32PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123741912#Comment_123741912

I notice on www.bustimes.org that the 351 to Galway is set-down only in Oranmore?

EDIT: I see there is an updated/revised timetable on LL Clare Limerick which has some stops marked as SDO set-down only.

https://www.locallinklc.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/TFI-Local-Link-Limerick-Clare-Route-351-1.pdf

Connecting Ireland Project Updates

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