A new public transport bus service around the Ring of Kerry is included in the Connecting Ireland rural mobility plan announced today by Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan.
The initiative sees 67 new or enhanced bus services, strengthening existing services and connecting more towns and townlands and €8.5 million is to be invested in the scheme.
The new or enhances routes in Kerry are the Ring of Kerry northern half and southern half,
Killarney-Tralee, Tralee-Tarbert, Caherciveen-Knightstown, Dingle-Dunquin, Castlemaine-Dingle, Tralee-Ballybunion, Killarney-Skibbereen and Castlegregory-Fenit.
The services will be provided on behalf of the National Transport Authority by Local Link offices and Bus Éireann will also be a key partner.
Minister Ryan remarked: “We know from last year’s statistics that people respond positively to new routes and services, backed up by our new cheaper fares”.
He added: “Young people, in particular, are choosing to use public transport more which is great. It’s more convenient, it’s more accessible and frequent than it’s been and it’s cheaper than driving and paying for a parking spot all day in college or school”.
Killarney Green Party representative, Diarmaid Griffin, said travelling around rural Ireland is difficult when one doesn’t have a car.
“I particularly welcome new bus routes around the Ring of Kerry and to West Cork. These are very popular places to live and visit,” he said.
“The result will be less vehicular traffic in our towns and villages and a slower tourist model that allows tourists to stay longer in Kerry. The Killarney area will benefit,” he added.
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