New bus routes for Dundalk areas welcomed

A proposed DN1 town bus route will operate between Ath Lethan, Dundalk, DKIT, and Haynestown/Marlmount under the National Transport Authority’s Town Bus Programme. Procurement for the route is at an advanced stage, and the service is planned to provide up to 27 return journeys seven days a week. Local Link Louth Meath Fingal will operate the service. Funding for the Public Service Obligation programme is still under discussion between the Department of Transport and the NTA, so an exact implementation date cannot be confirmed yet. Local Sinn Féin councillors welcomed the update, citing improved access for residents who lack cars and long-standing requests for bus services, including for families traveling to schools and Dundalk IT.

"As part of the National Transport Authority's (NTA) Town Bus Programme, we are proposing a new route DN1, which will operate between Ath Lethan, Dundalk, DKIT and Haynestown/Marlmount. We are at an advanced stage of procurement for this route. The service will provide up to 27 return journeys, seven days a week, and will be operated by Local Link Louth Meath Fingal."

"The Department of Transport and the NTA are currently in discussions in relation to funding of the PSO (Public Service Obligation) programme generally. The implementation date is subject to confirmation of funding so a precise date for the commencement of this service cannot be provided at this time"."

"This is really positive news to receive about the development of the route from Haynestown/Marlmount. There has been a huge amount of housing developed at the southern end of Dundalk, but many residents have been left stranded if they don't have a car because of the lack of transport into Dundalk. The new service will be well-used and Sinn Féin will continue to focus on the issue until the buses are running"."

"Almost since the first residents of Ath Leathan moved in nearly 20 years ago, they have been asking for a bus route. There are so many families living there with children who need to get into Dundalk for school and college at Dundalk IT who will be delighted to hear that the"

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