The expansion of the local link bus service in West Clare has been described as a “milestone” in the provision of improved public transport in the area.
Following an extensive public consultation process, TFI Local Link will provide the service that aims to offer a practical and efficient solution for those travelling to Ennis for work, or for onwards travel.
The new C12 bus route which has just been launched runs six days a week from Miltown Malbay to Ennis via Kilmaley and will also take in Spanish Point, Inch, Connolly, Coore, Mullagh and Quilty.
Following an extensive consultation process, the chief aim of the service will be to provide accessible and convenient public transport for those working in the county town early in the morning.
The service will depart from St. Joseph’s Church in Miltown Malbay at 7:40am Monday to Friday and will aim to arrive in Ennis just before half 8 after picking up passengers at ten stops along the way.
The route will be the 16th Demand Responsive service operating in this county, which means it can it can divert off-route to collect people at their door, subject to analysis.
Local Link Transport Operations Co-Ordinator for Clare Cillian Griffey says while the service is already proving to be a success in its early stages, the route hasn’t been set in stone and many more passengers can be accommodated.
The new service is being hailed as a milestone in public service provision in West Clare, however a local representative believes providing the neccessary infrastructure will be crucial in getting more people to use it.
Data from Census 2022 shows that Clare has the second lowest proportion of people using public transport on a daily basis in the country at a rate of just 6.1%.
Ennistymon Fianna Fáil Councillor Shane Talty says while the new service to Ennis is to be welcomed, bus stops, shelters and accessible timetable information need to be provided to maximise public participation.
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