TFI Local Link Donegal Sligo Leitrim is launching three bus services, one new and two enhanced routes, which will increase public transport connectivity in Sligo and Leitrim, from Monday the 30th of October 2023.
The three Regular Rural Services (RRS) will all operate seven days a week in what is seen as a major boost in public transport services for the people of Sligo and Leitrim.
Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan 
These new and enhanced services are a part of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan which is a major national public transport initiative developed and funded by the National Transport Authority (NTA) as part of the Transport for Ireland (TFI) Network.
One new bus service and two enhanced routes
Route 566 between Dromahair and Sligo will be amended to operate via Ballintogher and Ballygawley. The enhanced service will operate four daily return services between Sligo and Drumkeeran Monday to Sunday, of which two will extend to Dowra, with additional services on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. As part of these enhancements, the existing once-a-day Monday to Friday service through Ballintogher and Ballygawley on Bus Éireann route 462 will be withdrawn, with passengers able to avail of the enhanced route 566 instead.
New Route 563 will take over the alignment of Route 566 between Sligo, St. Angela’s and Dromahair and will operate six daily return services Monday to Sunday. Combined, Routes 563 and 566 will now provide ten to twelve daily return services between Dromahair and Sligo Monday to Sunday.
Route 981 between Coolaney, Sligo and St. Angela’s Campus will be enhanced from four daily return services Monday to Sunday to ten daily return services Monday to Saturday and nine daily return services on Sunday. As part of these enhancements, existing Bus Éireann route 475 between Coolaney and Sligo will be withdrawn, with passengers able to avail of the enhanced route 981 instead. Combined, Routes 563 and 981 will now provide fifteen daily return services between Sligo and St. Angela’s Campus, significantly boosting capacity for students on this route.
Additionally, all three routes will provide peak-time and evening services for commuters, improved connectivity to Sligo Town and to regional bus and rail services.
New and enhanced services have opened up opportunities for local residents
Speaking ahead of the launch, TFI Local Link Donegal Sligo Leitrim General Manager, Fiona O’Shea said: “We have a great working relationship with the NTA and are delighted that they continue to support the ongoing development of local bus services under the Connecting Ireland Programme.
“These new and enhanced services are a welcome addition to the Sligo and Leitrim areas, where capacity issues were challenging in recent weeks due to increased passenger numbers. The timetables now have increased frequency which will be well received by the local communities along the way. They will open up opportunities for local residents to access education, employment, health, social and recreational opportunities and onward travel from early morning to late evening.”
For route and timetable information, call 074 9741644 or visit www.locallinkdsl.ie
To learn more about the five year Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan visit: www.nationaltransport.ie/connecting-ireland/