Around-the-clock bus service planned between Limerick and Shannon Airport

SHANNON Airport and Limerick city could be linked by an around-the-clock bus service under plans unveiled by the National Transport Authority (NTA).

Currently, the Clare airport is served by routes 51 and 343 from Colbert Station. But these only operate out of the city from 5.05am until 11.20pm.

Now, this could all change, with the NTA, in partnership with Bus Eireann and TFI Local Link Limerick and Clare making a series of proposals.

As well as operating 24-hours-a-day, the 343 bus service would operate at a much higher frequency between Shannon and Limerick, with departures up to 20 minutes at peak times - and hourly during the night-time.

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The 343 currently serves the northside of the city, plus Bunratty and Shannon Town en route to the airport.

At present, both the 343 and 51 services run just once an hour between Limerick and the airport.

A new bus line, 330 will serve Ennis and Shannon Airport, via Clarecastle, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Ballinooskny, Smithstown Industrial Estate, Shannon Town and the Shannon Free Zone. 

Operated by Bus Eireann, the service will run every 60 minutes all-day with extra buses at peak times. It will be operated by Bus Éireann.

On top of this, more bus services are planned for Sixmilebridge, which at the moment only gets limited service in the morning and evening peak.

Route 316 will run every two hours between the village and Shannon Airport, via Smithstown Industrial Estate, Shannon Town and the Shannon Free Zone.

Finally, new route 317 will provide a link between Jetland Shopping Centre at Ennis Road and Ennis, via Cratloe, Sixmilebridge, Kilmurry and Quin.

Operated by TFI Local Link Limerick Clare, it will run three times daily.

The public are being invited to have their say on these new routes.

For more information, please visit https://consult.nationaltransport.ie/en/consultation/route-343-amendment