Galway bus route to be extended to Westmeath
The TFI local Link bus route 548 connects Bellough, Summerhill, Cornafulla, Clonark, Dubarry, Kilconnell, Ballyfa and Bullaun.
Route 548 will be extended from Ballinasloe to Athlone and will offer services on the weekend for first time to operate four daily return services Monday to Sunday.
The enhanced route will also offer peak-time and evening services and connectivity to regional bus services, Ballinasloe and Athlone Train Stations as well as to the villages and areas of Bellough, Summerhill, Cornafulla, Clonark, Dubarry, Kilconnell, Ballyfa and Bullaun. `
This enhanced route is part of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, a national public transport initiative developed and funded by the National Transport Authority (NTA) as part of the Transport for Ireland (TFI) Network.
Speaking ahead of the launch, TFI Local Link Galway Manager Joe Greally said: 'This enhancement is a much-needed upgrade that will serve many more people, especially along the Ballinasloe to Athlone section. It's a long-awaited development that we believe will open new opportunities for people trying to get from A to B along this route. Whether it's accessing education, healthcare, shopping, or simply staying connected with family and friends, this route will make a real difference in people's lives.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Journal
25-07-2025
- The Journal
Entry test for taxi drivers to be updated because use of online maps now ‘widely accepted'
THE ENTRY TEST for taxis, hackneys and limousines will soon be updated to reflect the fact that passengers now 'widely accept' the use of online maps. The Small Public Service Vehicle (SPSV) Driver Entry Test is designed to verify that new entrants to the industry are familiar with good practice and have a 'good working knowledge of the county in which you wish to operate'. This test must be passed by applicants before they apply for an SPSV driver licence. It consists of two modules: an Industry Knowledge Module, which assesses understanding of legislation and operational standards, and the Area Knowledge Module, which evaluates the applicant's familiarity with the county in which they intend to operate. The National Transport Authority (NTA) said it had undertaken a review with key stakeholders regarding this test. Its findings showed that while passengers still expect drivers to have a higher-than-average understanding of local geography, the use of online maps is now widely accepted. Advertisement As a result, changes will be made to the Area Knowledge module in an attempt to 'balance realistic and modern driver practices with the continued need for strong customer service'. The revised Area Knowledge module will place more emphasis on knowledge of motorways and transport hubs. It will also place greater focus on tourist attractions, hospitals, sports, theatre and music venues and, for urban centres, knowledge on major street names, one-way systems and city routes. To give applicants time to prepare ahead of the update to the test on 1 October, the 8th edition of the SPSV Industry Manual is now available on NTA's website. The current version will remain available and valid for test preparation until that date. Kevin O'Brien, Head of Transport Regulation of NTA, said the changes 'align with ongoing efforts to modernise entry into the sector'. 'By recognising the role navigation technology plays and focusing on the driver knowledge that genuinely supports passenger needs, we are making the entry process into the SPSV sector more relevant, fair and future-ready.' Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Independent
23-07-2025
- Irish Independent
Navan Town Bus network expands with new stops in Meath
The National Transport Authority (NTA) and Bus Éireann have announced a significant expansion of the Navan Town Bus Service, with new stops on routes NV1 and NV2. The changes will take effect from Saturday, July 27, and aim to improve public transport access across the town, especially in growing residential areas. Route NV1 (formerly N1) will be extended eastwards to include new stops at Carne Wood, Johnstown Village, and Dunville. As part of this realignment, the Kilcarn Bridge stop will no longer be served by this route. Route NV2 (formerly N2) will now reach new stops in Navan's northeast, serving Belcourt, Blackcastle Demesne, and Blackcastle Estate. The frequency of both NV1 and NV2 routes will remain unchanged, operating every 30 minutes from Monday to Saturday, and hourly on Sundays between 08:30 and 22:30. All buses on these routes are now fully accessible with low-floor access, ensuring a more inclusive service for passengers with mobility needs, parents with buggies, and older adults. John Nott, Head of Public Transport Service Planning at the NTA, said the upgrade directly addresses the town's growth and rising transport needs. "As Navan and Johnstown develop, it is essential that public transport keeps pace. These service improvements represent a significant milestone in delivering a more connected, reliable, and accessible transport network for local communities,' he said. Adrian O'Loughlin, Senior Regional Manager, East at Bus Éireann, noted the continued popularity of Navan's bus services. He said: 'These improvements will positively impact passengers travelling for work, leisure, health and education. Demand for our services in Navan is high and we have seen considerable growth in recent years, delivering over 111.6 million passenger journeys last year.' Meanwhile local councillor also welcomed the news. Independent councillor, Alan Lawes, said: 'The bus service expansion is very welcome as Dunville is a very busy estate and in Old Johnstown, there are new houses being added there as well.' 'This is good as we are trying to encourage more people to use public transport so extra services are always welcome.' 'There will be a lot of students who would also benefit from the new services. It will be convenient for them,' he added. Councillor Emer Tóibín (Aontú) said: 'This is a much needed development for residents in the are who have been calling for better public transport links for years.' "It is a step in the right direction towards making Navan a more connected, accessible, and sustainable town.' Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
Irish Independent
21-07-2025
- Irish Independent
New bus route linking Galway and Cliffs of Moher among additional services announced
From Sunday July 27, Bus Éireann will enhance its Route 350 service, which links Galway and Clare. The service will offer ten services per day in each direction from Monday to Sunday, including early morning and late-night services. Also, Route 350 will now operate along the N67 between Ballyvaughan and Lisdoonvarna. On the same day, a new service, Route 351, will commence operations, connecting the Cliffs of Moher and Galway. Route 351, operated by TFI Local Link Limerick Clare, will provide four services per day in each direction between Cliffs of Moher and Galway City via Fanore Cross. The route is designed to facilitate onward travel connections, with links to Doolin ferries and Galway–Dublin train services at Oranmore. An additional daily service in each direction operating between Ballyvaughan and Galway City has also been announced; while some services will operate via Maree and Nogra at specific times of day. The National Transport Authority (NTA) explained these services are intended to reduce journey times, provide more reliable and frequent options for local communities, and facilitate connections with national bus and rail networks. Route 350 is crucial for both residents and tourists as the bus stops at the Cliffs of Moher and other tourist attractions along the way. The route was also referred to by the Guardian as "the most scenic bus route in Ireland" in 2022, as most of the route is now part of Discover Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way tour. However, local communities in West Clare have often highlighted issues over the service's frequency and capacity. In early 2024, two friends launched a petition to improve the bus service, which gathered hundreds of signatures. ADVERTISEMENT Aoibhín Twomey and Síofra McGuire, at the time 20 and 19 years old, explained to the Irish Independent that they decided to launch the petition after their experience with the bus route and after being left stranded multiple times. The NTA explained this week's enhancements follow a public consultation held in January 2025 and are part of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.
