Ennis town bus service to deliver up to 500,000 passenger journeys a year - Clare Echo

*Minister of State Jerry Buttimer, Gordon Daly, Chief Executive, Clare County Council, Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle, Mayor of Ennis and John Knott, Head of Transport Services Planning, National Transport Authority at the launch of the new Ennis Town Bus Service in Ennis, County Clare || Photograph by Eamon Ward THE new Ennis Town Bus Service is … Ennis town bus service to deliver up to 500,000 passenger journeys a year Read More »

*Minister of State Jerry Buttimer, Gordon Daly, Chief Executive, Clare County Council, Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle, Mayor of Ennis and John Knott, Head of Transport Services Planning, National Transport Authority at the launch of the new Ennis Town Bus Service in Ennis, County Clare || Photograph by Eamon Ward

THE new Ennis Town Bus Service is expected to carry up to half a million passenger journeys annually, with two routes connecting residential areas across the town from October 18.

The service was officially launched on Friday by the National Transport Authority (NTA) and Clare County Council, ahead of the introduction of routes NS1 and NS2 on Sunday, October 18.

Following the launch in the council chamber, The Clare Echo joined councillors, representatives from the NTA and Clare County Council, and other attendees on a tour of the new service along the NS2 route.

The two routes will operate every 30 minutes, seven days a week, connecting areas including Ballymaley, Clarecastle, Shanaway Road and Tulla Road with Ennis town centre, Ennis Hospital and the town’s bus and rail station.

John Nott, Head of Transport Services Planning at the NTA, said the launch marked the “end of a long journey but the beginning of another”, as the focus shifts to ensuring people use the service.

He said the service had been improved through engagement with local elected representatives and thanked Clare County Council for its role in bringing the project to fruition.

Mr Nott said the service would involve two buses operating seven days a week for 18 hours a day, with up to half a million passenger journeys anticipated annually.

He encouraged people to promote the service and highlighted the importance of accessible bus stops in making public transport available to everyone.

Mayor of Ennis Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle (SF) described the launch as an important milestone for the town, saying the service would offer residents and visitors greater transport choice and an alternative to private car journeys.

He said the buses would improve access to employment, education, retail and leisure while supporting Ennis’s evening and night-time economy.

Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) described the launch as a “historical occasion”, highlighting the benefits for visitors arriving by train who would be able to continue their journeys around Ennis without needing a taxi.

Clare County Council chief executive Gordon Daly said the launch turned “an aspiration into reality”, with engagement and advocacy integral to delivering the service.

Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Jerry Buttimer said good public transport was not just about cities such as Cork and Dublin, but also about providing services in rural areas.

He said the service needed to be used beyond its launch, adding: “Public transport is only as good as the provision of it.”

The NS1 route will run between Ballymaley and Clarecastle, serving the Gort Road, Ennis Hospital, Lifford Road, Páirc Chíosóg, the town centre, Ennis Station and St Flannan’s College.

The NS2 route will connect Shanaway Road and Tulla Road via Cloughleigh Road, Kilrush Road, St Flannan’s College, Ennis Station, the town centre and Páirc Chíosóg.

Both routes will share a central section through Ennis, providing a combined service every 15 minutes along that stretch.

The service will be operated by City Direct on behalf of the NTA. Standard adult fares are €2 cash or €1.50 using a TFI Leap card. Young adults and students can travel for €0.75 using Leap, while children pay €0.65.

Free Travel Pass holders and children under five can travel free.

Passengers using a TFI Leap card can also transfer between the two routes for free within 90 minutes of starting their journey.

Further information on routes, timetables and fares is available from Transport for Ireland.

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