Timeline and What We’re Doing Next

Connecting Ireland

Following an in depth public consultation on the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan in 2021, the NTA started implementation of Phase 1 in January 2022. In 2023, the NTA is continuing to improve rural public transport services.

 

Following an in depth public consultation on the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan in 2021, the NTA started implementation of Phase 1 in January 2022. Connecting Ireland has delivered 38 new and enhanced bus services across various counties and almost €4m was invested in implementing these services. The implementation has had a significant impact on rural communities by improving access to high frequency public transport bus services and have connected villages and towns to regional TFI bus and rail services. This increased connectivity is allowing people greater access to social, healthcare, educational and employment opportunities; Phase 1 has created 9 new connections to higher level education facilities and 10 new connections to hospitals.

2021
Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Report
Connecting Ireland – Public Consultation Feedback Infographic – English
Connecting Ireland Proposed Network Maps 2021
Connecting Ireland Quarterly Bulletin – Issue 1

2022
Connecting Ireland – Phase 1 Key Achievements Infographic – English
Connecting Ireland Phase 1 – Implementation Review 2022

In 2023, the NTA is continuing to improve rural public transport services through the planned implementation of 67 new and enhanced bus services and development of non-conventional measures such as Smart DRT (Demand Responsive Transport) and rural hackney pilot schemes. This rate of improvement of bus services will continue to be achieved in a sector facing challenges due to increases in the cost of fuel, availability of trained drivers, brought about by the recent pandemic and geopolitical events across the world.

Connecting Ireland Phase 2 Implementation Plan 2023
Connecting Ireland Quarterly Bulletin – Issue 2

The Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan will continue the roll-out of routes until 2026