The National Transport Authority (NTA) has today opened a public consultation on plans to significantly enhance bus route 243, operated by Bus Éireann, from Newmarket to Cork City.
Improved level of service and operation hours
The NTA is proposing to improve the level of service and hours of operation on the route along the corridor between Newmarket and Cork City.
The plans include the addition of later evening weekday services, an improvement of weekend services, the development of connections with rail services in Mallow and a significant increase in bus services operating in rural settlements along the route such as Grenagh, Bweeng and Dromahane.
The newly enhanced 243 Route will operate four times per day on the Newmarket, Kanturk, Mallow, Dromahane, Bweeng, Grenagh, Sluggera Cross and Cork City alignment Monday to Sunday. Additional feeder services will operate five times per day Monday to Sunday from Newmarket to Mallow and there will be nine services per day between Newmarket and Mallow running from early morning to late evening.
Doneraile is now served by TFI Local Link 523 bus route
Following the enhancement, Route 243 would no longer service Doneraile, which is now served by the TFI Local Link 523 bus route and the NTA is also reviewing options to provide new regional services between Mallow and Dungarvan via Castletownroche and Killavullen.
Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan
The proposed enhancement of Route 243 is part of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, which is a major initiative developed and funded by the NTA as part of the Transport for Ireland (TFI) Network.
It is proposed to amend the route in early 2024. The public consultation will run for four weeks and closes at 4pm on Monday 27th of November 2023.
Have your say by clicking the link: Route 243 Amendment Proposal | National Transport Authority Consultation Portal