Transformation of Limerick's bus network facing delay

COUNCILLORS are to write to Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien to push him to introduce Limerick’s new BusConnects scheme without delay.

It comes after Labour TD Conor Sheehan was told the comprehensive redesign of the city’s bus network is delayed until 2027 - almost two years after it was promised to come into operation.

BusConnects contains plans for a more regular and reliable service, including an around-the-block route between University of Limerick and University Hospital Limerick.

Councillor Maria O’Donoghue had a notice of motion passed at this month’s full meeting to lobby Mr O’Brien, and she focused her attention on her own area of City West.

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“I understand that most of the infrastructure for BusConnects is in place in Limerick City West. So why the delay? Indeed, there are bus set down areas outside Mungret Community College and the Educate Together, but no buses to use them,” she said.

“We are expected to wait patently and quietly until 2027 for the implementation of this system, when its introduction could quickly resolve so many quandaries,” she added.

Mayor John Moran warned it’s important to get the new system right, with trains forming a backbone to the travel plans, supplemented by buses.