Further delays announced for BusConnects in Limerick 

The scheme was promised to start three years ago but is now pushed back to 2028

Limerick TD Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the timeline of the scheme rollout during parliamentary questions. Picture: Dan Linehan.

The transformation of Limerick’s bus network is set to face further delay, as it has been revealed that the BusConnects scheme will be implemented in 2028, three years after it was to begin.

Limerick TD Conor Sheehan asked the transport minister for an update on the timeline of the scheme rollout during parliamentary questions. His question was referred to the National Transport Authority (NTA) for reply.

“The planned implementation date for the BusConnects Limerick Network Redesign project is currently 2028. Implementation dates are subject to the outcome of discussions with the Department of Transport on funding for new services. While work to progress the project continues, the pace at which these activities can be completed is dictated by the level of funding that is made available to the NTA,” said a spokesperson.

Councillors in Limerick had previously pushed for the scheme to be introduced without delay, after Conor Sheehan had been told the programme would be delayed until 227.

According to the NTA, a “detailed” plan will be published later this year, to set out the elements of the BusConnects programme to be advanced “within available funding, including in Limerick”.

Last November, the National Development Plan's sectoral investment detailed the funding allocated to the NTA to progress on the schemes in Cork, Limerick, Dublin, Galway, and Waterford.

The redesign of the bus network in Limerick aims to transform the city’s bus system, making public transport more useful to more people.

Last year, over 800 residents part of The Mulcair Bus Committee expressed their concerns regarding the decision to remove the Mulcair Road bus stop as part of the BusConnects scheme in Limerick.

Some residents said waiting for the bus can be challenging in the winter, as scheduled buses are often running late, and that walking further away to other stops would not be feasible for many.

The NTA had confirmed it was “reviewing options” to maintain a bus service on Mulcair Road.

Under the proposal by the NTA, Pennywell Road, Childers Road, and parts of the Ballysimon Road would also be removed. These are currently part of the 304 bus route.