Late-night bus service returns to Buncrana over August Bank Holiday - Donegal Daily

A late night bus service is returning to Buncrana just in time for the August Bank Holiday festivities.The service is being rolled out by the Donegal County Cou...

A late night bus service is returning to Buncrana just in time for the August Bank Holiday festivities.

The service is being rolled out by the Donegal County Council's Night Time Economy body.

The scheme is part of Night Time Economy group's commitment to providing safer nights out across towns in Donegal.

The One @ One is a pilot late night bus service being tested in Buncrana, Sligo and Longford, and builds on the existing Route 959 service, which runs from Buncrana to Greencastle, operated by TFI Local Link Donegal Sligo Leitrim.

The service previously ran over the May and June bank holidays and will continue for the August bank holiday weekend.

The route departs from Buncrana at 1am, travelling across the peninsula.

In Buncrana, the service will run on Friday 31st July, Saturday 1st August and Sunday 2nd August, as part of a wider pilot taking place across select bank holiday weekends.

It has been introduced to support safer and easier travel after dark, help people enjoy nights out without worrying about getting home, support local businesses that operate in the evening and at night, and test demand for late night public transport in smaller towns.

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John G. McLaughlin, Chief Executive, Donegal County Council said the council had worked for their counterparts in Longford and Sligo in a bid to bring The One @ One initiative to life.

“Donegal County Council has worked collaboratively with Longford County Council, Sligo County Council, Sligo BID, the NTA and Local Link, to listen to the needs of rural communities. The ‘One at One’ trial night bus service is an important way to connect our towns and villages at night, whilst building a pathway toward further opportunities; as these kinds of innovative collaborations are at the heart of night‑time economy development.”

Night Time Economy Advisor for Buncrana with Donegal County Council, Sophie Gallagher, said the timing of the pilot has been carefully considered.

"The August Bank Holiday is one of the busiest weekends of the year for Buncrana, and this service means people can enjoy a night out without needing a car or a taxi. It's a simple, practical step that supports our pubs, restaurants and late-night businesses, and it gives people in the town a safer option to get home."

Following the August Bank Holiday, the Buncrana service will also run on Culture Night, Friday 18th September, and over the October Bank Holiday weekend on Friday 23rd, Saturday 24th, and Sunday 25th October.

The service is for everyone, but is particularly aimed at people enjoying evenings and nights out, those working late shifts, students and young adults, and anyone who needs a safe and reliable way home at night.

The One @ One Night bus is funded by the Department for Culture, Communications and Sport through Donegal County Council’s Night-Time Economy Initiative for Buncrana.