“A new plan called ‘Connecting Ireland’ has been launched this week which will see a transformative approach to rural transport. Minister Eamon Ryan has asked the National Transport Authority to run a consultation, and has put forward maps of the proposed new bus routes and has said that routes will see an increase in frequency.”
Senator Pauline O’Reilly said “What does this mean for Galway? It means more bus routes across the county and more frequent buses on the current routes. We are putting over €50 million into this transformation between now and 2025 and the roll out will start in Spring next year.
“I would encourage everyone to have their say because key to this is making sure that the times that people arrive at hospital, at school and at workplaces works for people. We are committed to having this revolution in rural transport.
“We need to reduce our carbon emissions as a country, but this proposal is also about ending rural isolation and bringing 70% of our population within reach of a bus stop. Currently just 53% of the Irish population has access to public transport.
Some of the proposals for Galway are:
The NTA have proposed four new bus routes that would serve towns and villages in Galway. These will include a Galway – Nenagh route which would serve Oranmore, Loughrea, Portumna, and Borrisokane; a Clifden – Roundstone service would stop in Ballyconneely and other places.
A Ballinasloe – Castlerea bus route which would stop at Ahascragh, Mountbellew, Moylough, Glenamaddy and other places en route; and an Athlone – Roscommon route would stop at Ballygar.
A number of other changes have been proposed to include increasing the frequency of a number of rural routes, such as a minimum of one bus an hour between Galway and Clifden, and one every 30 minute for the Galway – Cork route.
The plans also call for integrating and increasing the number of services on multiple other bus routes connecting towns and villages in Galway.
The full list of proposed service changes for Galway, and the accompanying maps, can be found on the NTA website.
Senator O’Reilly is due to attend COP26 next week with some of her Party colleagues and said “This is another positive example of Ireland taking action on climate, ahead of COP26 in Glasgow. These practical measures are what we need to bring down emissions and improve lives.
The NTA have proposed four new bus routes that would serve towns and villages in Galway. These will include a Galway – Nenagh route which would serve Oranmore, Loughrea, Portumna, and Borrisokane; a Clifden – Roundstone service would stop in Ballyconneely and other places.
“We have made a commitment in Government to a ‘Town Centres First’ policy that will bring life and vibrancy back to our regional towns and rural villages. This is only possible if we have a robust public transport system in place. This will enable not only businesses to thrive but will make living in rural communities a more viable option for those looking for alternatives to our cities.”