New Local Link route to connect Ballyjamesduff, Crosskeys, Cavan Town and Virginia

Route will commence on October 21.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has confirmed today that the Local Link route 186 connecting Ballyjamesduff and Crosskeys to Cavan or Virginia will commence on October 21, 2024.

TII says the new route - from Cavan to Kells extending to Baile Ghib - will improve connectivity to the towns and villages of Kells, Moynalty, Mullagh, Virginia, Ballyjamesduff and Cross Keys. It will also offer peak-time and evening services for passengers and connectivity to Cavan Town, Cavan Bus Station and regional bus services.

“It will provide six daily return services to Kells, including three return trips from Monday to Thursday that extend to Baile Ghib. On Fridays and Saturdays, there will be eight daily return services, with four of those extending to Baile Ghib. Additionally, on Sundays and Public Holidays, the route will operate three daily return services, all of which extend to Baile Ghib,” added a spokesperson.

Meanwhile, Deputy Niamh Smyth (FF) says it’s a very welcome development. “The new route connects Baile Ghib and Cross Keys to the public transport network for the first time and offers a new direct route from Ballyjamesduff and Mullagh to Cavan Town,” she continued.

“This service is finally launching after a lot of lobbying by the members of the community. Back in 2019, I attended a meeting in Ballyjamesduff with members of the community who gave me a petition with thousands of signatures calling for this service.

"I handed that petition to the then Minister with responsibility Michael Ring. The routes will operate up to seven daily return services, seven days a week and will offer peak-time and evening services services."