Changes to Kilkenny route welcome but busses still not frequent enough

Waterside Guesthouse in Graiguenamanagh would like to see the expansion of the public transport services on the Graiguenamanagh – Kilkenny bus route, of which the National Transport Authority (NTA) is currently running a public consultation.

"Our objective is to provide more frequent services on the Graiguenamanagh – Kilkenny corridor, which will improve integration with other bus routes and the rail services," a spokesperson for the NTA said.

"The purpose is to provide: a 7-day week service between Graiguenamanagh and Kilkenny, serving Borris, Goresbridge, Gowran and Clara; Improved connectivity with regional and local services at Kilkenny train station; and, the proposed service will offer significantly enhanced service levels and extended operating hours between Graiguenamanagh and Kilkenny. The proposed service will increase up to four return trips a day between Graiguenamanagh and Kilkenny," they added.

The local business said: "We're calling on people to check out NationalTransport.ie and make a submission on their consultation regarding the expansion of the Graiguenamanagh-Kilkenny Bus service from twice a day, to four times a day.

"This would be a huge improvement in connectivity for Graiguenamanagh, including a Sunday service, and would be of benefit to locals and visitors alike. Hopefully lots of people click on the site and support this plan."

The public consultation is part of the Connecting Ireland: Rural Mobility Plan and in this particular phase, the consultation seeks submissions regarding proposed improvements to Carlow – Knockananna, Urlingford – Thurles and Nenagh – Clonmel, in addition to the Graiguenamanagh – Kilkenny route.

A total of 41 submissions have been made to date, with one concerned member of the public stating that the "timetable should allow for Kilkenny people or tourists to make a five or six hour return trip from Kilkenny in a day."

Another submission made under the Graiguenamanagh-Kilkenny proposal was similar to that above, while adding the importance of reducing our carbon footprint: "It would be so great to have this increased bus frequency. We'd be far more likely to use the bus service if it was possible to make the journey with a wider choice of times.

"This kind of initiative is exactly what we need to decrease our dependence on cars/fossil fuels and try to limit the terrible effects of climate change."

"Where applicable, the proposed corridors will be integrated into the TFI Go app and will participate in the Leap Card scheme, facilitating easier journey planning and cashless payments for passengers. Additionally, Free Travel Passes will be accepted on eligible routes," the NTA continued.

"We will also investigate the possibility of serving these corridors with accessible, modern vehicles and will work closely with Local Authorities to improve the stop infrastructure.

"We plan to implement our proposals from the end of 2025 onwards but achieving this will be subject to the availability of the necessary additional funding and resources.

"The purpose of the consultation is to collect feedback from the public which will then be used to improve the service levels along this corridor and we encourage you to share your views on how these proposed changes could impact your journey experience," they added.

Submissions can be made online through the NTA website before the deadline this Friday, November 15 at 5 p.m.