It’s claimed the views of the local community will be vital as public transport services in the Shannon area are overhauled.
A public consultation process is now underway on plans to significantly enhance bus services between Clare and Limerick, with three new routes being created, including a 24-hour service serving Shannon Airport.
The National Transport Authority, in partnership with Bus Éireann and TFI Local Link Limerick Clare, has put forward a proposed overhaul of the public transport links between, Ennis, Shannon, Limerick and Clare’s hinterlands.
Under the plans, the 343 bus service will be split into four separate routes, with more services between Shannon and Limerick and more departures to Ennis, Sixmilebridge, Kilmurry, Cratloe and Quin.
NTA’s Communications Officer, Michael Sinnott says the enhancements, which it’s hoped will benefit the local community and the wider region, are significant.
The proposed 330 route, which will be operated by Bus Eireann, will run every 60 minutes from Ennis to Shannon Airport via Clarecastle, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Ballinoosky, Smithstown Industrial Estate, Shannon Town and Shannon Free Zone.
The proposed 316 service will link Sixmilebridge to Shannon Airport with stops at Smithstown Industrial Estate, Shannon Town and Shannon Free Zone; running every two hours with extra buses at peak times on weekdays.
While, the 317 service, which TFI Local Link will operate, will run three times a day, connecting Ennis to Jetland Shopping Centre in Limerick via Quin, Kilmurry, Sixmilebridge and Cratloe.
Cathaoirleach of Shannon Municipal District, Sinn Féin Councillor Donna McGettigan says the separation of the Limerick and Ennis bus will be key to improving current difficulties with public transport in the area.
The National Transport Authority has been criticised for being short-sighted though, with one local election candidate arguing that the service should have been put out to tender to other operators.
Independent candidate for the Shannon MD area, Pat Barry has criticised Bus Éireann’s track record, saying despite many meetings with the company in the past, only slight progress has been made locally.
You can listen to the full interview below.
