TFI Local Link Kerry is launching four enhanced bus services, which will increase public transport connectivity around Corca Dhuibhne/ Dingle Peninsula from Monday the 18 th of December 2023.
The four Regular Rural Services (RRS) will all operate seven days a week, in what is seen as a major boost in public transport services for the people of Kerry.
These services are a part of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan which is a major national public transport initiative developed and funded by the National Transport Authority (NTA) as part of the Transport for Ireland (TFI) Network.
Route 268 will replace the existing TFI Local Link Kerry Route R73 and will operate daily return services Monday to Sunday. The enhanced route will provide improved connectivity to villages and areas such as An Fheothanach, Baile na nGall, An Mhuiríoch, An Cuas and Gallarus.
Route 276 will replace the existing TFI Local Link Kerry Route R74 and will operate three daily return services Monday to Sunday. The enhanced route will provide improved connectivity to villages and areas such as Castlemaine, Boolteens, Inch, Annascaul and Lios Póil.
The enhancements to Route 277 will comprise of two bus services, 277A and 277B. The 277A will operate six daily return services Monday to Saturday and four daily return services on Sunday and Public Holidays. The 277B will operate two daily return services, seven days a week and will cover the lower portion of the Slea Head Drive. Both services will provide improved connectivity to the villages and areas of Ceann Trá, Baile an Fheirtéaraigh, Dún Chaoin and the Blasket Centre.
Speaking ahead of the launch, TFI Local Link General Manager, Alan O’Connell said: “The increased service enhancements on Routes 277 & 268 as well as the introduction of a new Route 276 connecting Castlemaine, Inch and Dingle/Daingean Uí Chúis is a welcome development for local people and tourists along Corca Dhuibhne/ Dingle Peninsula. It highlights how we continue to improve sustainable public transport options.
“In partnership with the NTA, we are committed to continually improving and expanding our services to meet the needs of our customers and we have already seen the success of our current bus services into and out of Dingle/Daingean Uí Chuís. A lot of work has been done with local people and community leaders along Corca Dhuibhne/ Dingle Peninsula to bring these extensions to fruition.
“We understand that every journey matters, and with these enhancements, we hope to make those journeys even better.”