Latest news with #ConnectingIrelandRuralMobilityPlan
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.
Irish Independent
10-07-2025
- Irish Independent
Galway bus route to be extended to Westmeath
TFI Local Link Route 548 will be enhanced from Monday July 14. 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.'
Irish Independent
03-07-2025
- Irish Independent
Bus service linking Waterford and Cork set to be enhanced
The enhanced route forms 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 363 and Route 364 will be combined and enhanced to operate ten daily return services between Dungarvan and Tallow and seven daily return services between Dungarvan and Fermoy Monday to Saturday. On Sundays and public holidays, the enhanced route will operate seven daily return services between Dungarvan and Tallow and seven daily return services between Dungarvan and Fermoy. A new route variant will be added to the service called Route 363a, which will provide four daily return services between Dungarvan and Ballyduff Upper from Monday to Saturday. Speaking ahead of the launch, John Pratt, Chairman of TFI Local Link Waterford, welcomed the changes. 'We're very pleased to introduce these service improvements, which represent a real investment in rural transport. 'I want to extend a sincere thanks to the Ballyduff Community Council for their support and input throughout this process. We hope these enhanced services will prove valuable to all users, whether commuting, attending appointments, or simply connecting with their community,' said Mr Pratt.
Irish Independent
12-06-2025
- Irish Independent
Bus routes in West Cork failing to meet up or miss connecting with each other by minutes
There, Councillor Finbarr Harrington (Independent) put forward a motion calling for TFI (Transport for Ireland) and Bus Eireann to be invited to a meeting to better co-ordinate their rural services in county Cork; amid general acknowledgement that public transport in rural Ireland has improved significantly in recent years. "Some timetables changed recently, so for example the 7.20am run from Allihies to Castletownbere stopped, which meant anyone getting the 8am bus from Castletownbere to Cork needed to resort to taxi or family again. Also a big issue with many routes is that they never meet, for example the Kilcrohane to Dursey route never meets the Mizen route to Skibbereen. So if we could bring about better co-ordination between all the routes, people could travel throughout Cork County," Cllr Harrington said. "Many of the TFI routes miss the Bus Eireann routes sometimes only by minutes so if we could delay one to meet the other, people could get off one and onto the other. Many parts of West Cork don't have any bus routes, like Coppeen. It can be improved easily and with no extra cost if, for example, one or two days a week the Mizen run could travel through Durrus or the Kilcrohane bus go through Ballydehob one or two days a week. Then anyone on the Mizen [bus] could travel to Bantry, Glengarriff or Beara and vice versa, people on the Beara or Sheep's Head peninsula could travel to Schull, Goleen or Skibbereen and then further on to Clonakilty." The Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan has improved rural public transport with over 150 new and improved bus services launched in towns and villages over the past three years, according to TFI. Cllr Harrington praised the plan, saying it has "changed the lives of many people for the better, especially those living in rural areas. It gives many people, especially elderly who don't have their own transport, an independence and an opportunity to attend appointments without relying on private transport, friends or family, which would have been the norm prior to the service. This transport is greatly appreciated and is great value for money. I think if this service is better coordinated, it has the potential to improve the lives of many people and better promote Cork as the great place it is." Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Daniel Sexton (Independent Ireland) agreed with the motion and said "more joined-up thinking" is needed. He pointed out there are currently no direct routes from Dunmanway to Clonakilty or from Skibbereen to Drimoleague. Cllr Danny Collins (Independent Ireland) also spoke in support of the motion. He said the buses "finish up a little bit early. Nine or 10 pm would be better," which, he said, would also provide a boost for the hospitality sector. He added that "there are big problems with transport in Ballydehob." After the discussion of Cllr Harrington's motion, the West Cork Municipal District agreed to send it forward to Cork County Council's Corporate Policy Group, which will then invite TFI and Bus Eireann to a meeting. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
The Journal
09-06-2025
- The Journal
Sustainable, affordable, doable: exploring the Wild Atlantic Way without a car
SUMMER IS A time for adventure, and there are few adventures in Ireland quite like the Wild Atlantic Way. Encompassing some of the most beautiful and exciting experiences in Europe, including the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry and Connemara, the Wild Atlantic Way is a journey to take anyone's breath away. It's also never been easier to do it without a car. The integrated Transport for Ireland (TFI) public transport network, connecting some of the most scenic and popular holiday destinations in Ireland allows visitors to explore the Wild Atlantic Way without the hassle of bringing, or renting a car. There are many advantages to leaving your car at home in the driveway while you explore some of Europe's most exhilarating natural beauty spots. Dingle, Co Kerry First and foremost, you can sit back, relax and focus on immersing yourself in your surroundings rather than worrying about petrol or charging stations, possibly unfamiliar roads, or getting lost or delayed. Second of all, the comprehensive network of TFI bus routes all along the Wild Atlantic Way means there's no need to stress when figuring out where you need to go and how to get there. There's a route for you wherever you're going; all you need to do is hop on a bus. By choosing public transport, you're also doing your bit to safeguard Ireland's natural beauty by making a more sustainable transport choice. Thanks to the many TFI bus routes introduced as part of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, the Wild Atlantic Way can now be explored by all — even if you don't drive, or would simply rather enjoy the spectacular cliff views, rolling green hills, and golden seaside sunsets without having to think about all the stresses that come with being responsible for your car. Since January 2022, the Plan has delivered over 150 new or enhanced bus services throughout rural Ireland. Advertisement Co Kerry On the Transport for Ireland website , you can explore a Wild Atlantic Way interactive map which you can use to discover the many transport options that are available. For example, if you are in the Southern Peninsula area enjoying some time in Dingle, you can look up the map to see which services are available to take you to your next stop on the Wild Atlantic Way. Currently, there are 17 TFI bus routes that operate through the Southern Peninsula, empowering you to head in any direction you wish — whether that's up through Clare towards Galway, Mayo and beyond, or further east along Cork's south coast. TFI also has you covered when it comes to planning your route, which you can do by using the TFI Live app . It's never been easier to travel car-free. So what are you waiting for? You can download the TFI Live App here . For the cheapest fares, be sure to use your TFI Leap Card and save up to 30% compared to a cash single fare. Plan your next car-free Wild Atlantic Way adventure with TFI now.
