Newly-enhanced bus service between towns to benefit Limerick commuters

LIMERICK commuters are set to benefit from the roll out of an enhanced bus service between Newcastle West and Charleville.

TFI Local Link Limerick Clare has announced details of the improved service, with the changes taking effect from this Sunday, October 1.

The change is part of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan - a major national public transport initiative developed and funded by the National Transport Authority (NTA) as part of the Transport for Ireland (TFI) Network.

From Sunday, the service on Route 521 will now include the addition of an early morning service and higher frequency Thursday to Sunday services.

The service will operate seven daily return services Monday to Wednesday, nine daily return services Thursday to Saturday and four daily return services on Sunday. The route will also provide late evening and peak-time services for commuters and improved connectivity to Limerick city.

Going forward, there will be enhanced connectivity to other towns and villages close to the Limerick/Cork border including Castlemahon, Feohanagh, Kilmeedy, Feenagh, Dromcollogher, Milford and Newtownshandrum. The service will also facilitate onward travel to Limerick city regional bus services and the wider TFI Network.

14 Limerick players earn PwC hurling All-Star nominations

Speaking ahead of the launch, TFI Local Link Limerick Clare General Manager Anne Gaughan, said: “We are delighted to announce new enhancements to the 521 Newcastle West to Charleville services.  The addition of the early morning leg will provide connectivity to Limerick, Cork and beyond.  The higher frequency Thursday to Sunday services will provide a vital level of connectivity for passengers, which they can rely on to travel to work, social events, college, training, sightseeing, meeting family and friends or connecting to Charleville Train Station."

Ms Gaughan added: “In partnership with the NTA, we support the Government’s Sustainable Mobility Policy and believe these new services complement this policy. The NTA is committed to the growth and development of local bus services, as we work together to deliver affordable, accessible public transport for our area.