Expressway determination reports for routes 4, 40 and 52

From 24 May 2026 - curtailment of route 4 Waterford to Dublin, route 52 Ballina to Galway, and route 40 section Rosslare to Waterford

In late March 2026, Expressway notified the NTA:

  • of its decision to cease operation of Route 4 (Waterford – Dublin, via Carlow), with the service scheduled to be withdrawn from 24 May 2026.
  • of proposed changes to Route 40 (Rosslare–Tralee), involving the curtailment of services on the eastern section of the route, between Rosslare and Waterford. Following the curtailment, Route 40 will operate between Waterford, Cork and Tralee only.
  • of its intention to cease operation of Route 52 (Ballina – Galway), with the service scheduled to be withdrawn from 24 May 2026.

Determination of a Public Service Obligation

Each report provides an overview of the impact along the corridor, and surrounding areas, from which the proposed service will be withdrawn / curtailed. Also, each report evaluates whether the withdrawal / curtailment of the service creates a requirement for a new or revised Public Service Obligation (PSO) service or route, to maintain essential public transport provision.

  • Route 4 – Service withdrawal

    • Following discussions with Expressway, the NTA has been formally advised that Route 4 (Waterford–Dublin) will be withdrawn in its entirety. Expressway has confirmed that the cessation of service will apply across the full length of the Route, with no partial retention of any section.

  • Route 40 – Service curtailment

    • At the end of March 2026, Expressway informed the NTA of its intention to curtail Route 40, resulting in the cessation of all services between Rosslare and Waterford, including services operating between Waterford and Wexford.
    • All remaining services on Route 40 will continue to operate as scheduled on the western section of the route. Following the curtailment, Route 40 will operate between Waterford, Cork and Tralee only.

  • Route 52 – Service withdrawal

    • Following discussions with Expressway, the NTA has been formally advised that Route 52 (Ballina – Galway) will be withdrawn in its entirety. Expressway has confirmed that the cessation of service will apply across the full length of the Route, with no partial retention of any section.