Calls grow stronger for Town Bus serving Tullamore

A dedicated town bus service for Tullamore has long been recognised as essential, now more than ever, as public transport is promoted and the town shifts towards a more pedestrian-friendly environment. This need is only growing more urgent with the expansion of new housing estates, many of which are located away from basic amenities such as shops, GP surgeries, and dental clinics. For residents in these areas, especially those without access to a car, a reliable town bus would be a life line.

Deputy John Clendennen recently asked the Minister for Transport Jerry Buttimer, when Tullamore might receive a bus service akin to that recently established in the town of Portlaoise.

Minister Buttimer said he recognises the importance of boosting connectivity in Offaly, which he said he is ''reinforcing through my introductory interactions with Local Link offices nationwide.''

He said the Government is committed to continuing the roll-out of Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan and continued investment in new town bus services.

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Under Budget 2025, the Department has secured a funding package of €658.442 million for Public Service Obligation (PSO) and TFI Local Link services (an increase from €613.813 million in 2024). This package includes funding for the continuation of the various fare initiatives, such as the Young Adult Card, and the 90-minute fare until the end of 2025. Funding has also been provided to extend free child fares on PSO Services to include those aged 5 to 8-years old, and to support the roll-out of new and enhanced bus services under programmes such as BusConnects, Connecting Ireland and new town services.

As with all plans, any additional funding for new town services would be subject to the annual Budgetary and Estimates process, said the Minister.