Plans for enhanced rural transport revealed for Cavan and Monaghan
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has outlined its plans to improve public transport in Counties Cavan and Monaghan by 2026.
The details were revealed in its blueprint to create an overall increase of approximately 25% in rural bus services as part of the five-year Connecting Ireland plan published for public consultation on Friday.
Cavan
Improved interurban bus services between Cavan and Dublin
New and enhanced interurban services between Cavan and Belfast, Dundalk, and Athlone and Donegal
New local bus service from Shercock, Mount Nugent and Lough Gowna to Cavan
New local bus service from Bailieborough to Cootehill
Enhanced bus services from Swanlinbar and Ballyconnell to Cavan
New bus service from Enniskillen to Carrick-on-Shannon via Swanlinbar, Corlough and Dromod (coordinated with rail services)
New local route from Cavan to Drumshanbo and Sligo
The Connecting Ireland plan is a major national public transport initiative developed by the NTA with the aim of increasing public transport connectivity, particularly for people living outside our major cities and towns. The plan aligns with the current national policy framework including the Rural Development Policy 2021-2025, Project Ireland 2040 and the Climate Action Plan.
Connecting Ireland proposes to expand the public transport network in rural areas and to increase service levels. As a result: 70% of people in rural Ireland will have access to public transport service that provides at least three return trips daily to the nearby town. (This compares to the current figure of 53%.)
Monaghan
Improved interurban bus services between Monaghan, Castleblayney, and Carrickmacross and Dublin
New and enhanced interurban bus services between Monaghan Town and Belfast, Dundalk, Athlone, Enniskillen, Letterkenny, and Derry
Improved interurban bus services from Clones, Monaghan, Castleblayney, and Carrickmacross to Dundalk
New local bus services from Carrickmacross and Castleblaney to Lough Egish Food Park, from Oram to Castleblayney and from Mullan to Monaghan
New local bus services between Clones, Newbliss, Ballybay and Castleblayney, improving directness for local travel
Over 100 rural villages will benefit from frequent public transport service (at least three return trips daily) for the first time
Over 100 rural areas will benefit from a regular service, at least three return trips daily to their county town for the first time
There will be over 60 new connections to regional cities from surrounding areas.
Improved mobility options for those in remote areas with the provision of Demand Responsive and other innovative transport services
“Hundreds of rural villages and areas will for the first time will be served by a viable public transport link," promised Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan.
“To have strong local economies and to give people real options for getting around you need good public transport links – this plan represents a step-change in delivering good quality public transport in rural Ireland.
“If we are to deliver on our emissions targets, we need to make sure that people have the services and alternatives they need. My department allocated €5.6m from budget 2022 to the NTA so that as early as next year the NTA can begin investing in these services and giving people those alternatives.”
The public consultation process has commenced. For more details visit: nationaltransport.ie