The National Transport Authority (NTA) has published a new bus network for Limerick.
The redesign is one of the nine key elements of BusConnects Limerick which aims to transform the city's bus system.
Last year, the NTA carried out a review of the bus network in Limerick, in collaboration with Limerick City and County Council, Clare County Council and Bus Éireann, and with the expertise of transport designers Jarrett Walker and Associates.
In February 2023, a draft new network was published, and the NTA has said that the feedback and submissions received have informed the final new bus network which has been published today.
The NTA said the amount of bus services in Limerick city and its suburbs will increase by around 70%.
It said there will be an extension of bus services to new areas with more routes with frequent services and an enhanced Sunday timetable.
A new 24-hour bus service will operate between University Hospital Limerick, the city centre and the University of Limerick.
New bus services will also be provided to previously unserved areas such as Ennis Road, Dock Road, University of Limerick north campus and Ardnacrusha.
The NTA also said that there will be simpler fares "that will make interchange seamless".
"The new bus network will enable more people to avail of public transport resulting in increased access to a greater number of schools and workplaces across Limerick city.
"Overall, 41% of residents will live within 400 metres of a high frequency bus route (running every 15 minutes or better)," the NTA said.
The new network will be delivered on a phased approach from 2025 and it will be supported by a public information campaign for bus users as the services are implemented.
"Revising the bus network is one of the key elements of the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy and today’s announcement is another important milestone in bringing the vision of that strategy to life," Anne Graham, CEO of the NTA said.
"As we roll out the key pillars of BusConnects Limerick, we’re confident that this network will encourage more people to take public transport and support the sustainable growth of the city in the decades to come," Ms Graham added.
Stephen Kent, Chief Executive Officer of Bus Éireann, said the new bus network will significantly increase frequency and expand bus services across Limerick city and its suburbs.
"This comes at an exciting time for the city with the NTA investing in the switch to fully electric and hybrid fleet in Limerick.
"The electrification of the depot at Roxboro which is currently under way will really change public transport in Limerick for the better, in terms of environmental impact and also a greatly enhanced customer experience with quieter, smoother journeys," he said.
