Green Party leader in Tullamore to announce new rural bus routes
A number of new or enhanced bus services in rural areas of the country were announced by Transport Minister Eamon Ryan in Tullamore earlier today (Friday).
The Green Party leader was in the Midlands to announce what was described as "one of the most ambitious plans yet for rural transport," with "67 new or enhanced" bus services being proposed under the 'Connecting Ireland' programme.
The list of new or improved services planned for 2023 includes a new Roscrea to Athlone route, that would serve areas of West Offaly. This route is currently at the procurement stage and could become operational this summer.
The funding for 'Connecting Ireland' bus services is being doubled this year, with €8.5m being provided for these services compared to €4m last year.
The services are provided on behalf of the NTA by 15 TFI Local Link offices nationwide, including Laois/ Offaly Local Link which is managed by Frances Byrne.
Ms Byrne said the Connecting Ireland plan for 2023 "represents significant investment by Government in rural public transport and will provide greater connectivity and flexibility for rural users.
"Already, Laois-Offaly has seen an enhancement on the 840 Banagher to Tullamore service, and the new addition of the 823 Birr to Portlaoise route, with more new services planned for this year," she added.
"With reduced fares, LEAP and TFI Go ticketing, public transport has never been as cheap and accessible."
Today's announcement also heard that passenger numbers on bus services had returned to pre-Covid levels, with a particularly good response to the TFI Local Link services in rural Ireland.
"Massively improving rural transport is one of my key priorities as Minister for Transport," stated Minister Eamon Ryan.
"The Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, launched in 2021, has already played a key role in towns and villages across Ireland and providing people with new choices to travel by bus.
"But now, we want to go further and build on that success with many more new and enhanced routes planned for 2023.
"It's clear that when you build it, they will come. We know from last year's statistics that people respond positively to new routes and services, backed up by our new cheaper fares. Young people, in particular, are choosing to use public transport more, which is great," he concluded.