Connecting Ireland Phase 2 Review

The Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan (the Plan) is an initiative by the NTA to improve connectivity and mobility in rural areas through the development of
new and enhanced public transport services.

Connecting Ireland Implementation Phase 2 report

This report is a review of the implementation of Phase 2 of the Connecting Ireland (CI) Plan in 2023. This report summarises the objectives and definitions of the Plan, including summary highlights of the new and enhanced services, a review of patronage levels on Connecting Ireland services during 2023 and a look ahead to what is planned for the next phase.

65 new and enhanced bus services, improved connectivity for 190 towns

In Phase 2, sixty-five new and enhanced bus services were introduced via the Connecting Ireland Plan. Over 120,000 weekly vehicle kilometres were added to the public transport network via 24 brand new services and 41 frequency enhancements including some route extensions. 190 new towns and villages have as a result been connected to the TFI Public Transport Network.

4.7 million passenger journeys

A total of 4.7 million passenger journeys were recorded on Connecting Ireland routes in 2023, with over 800,000 passenger journeys being recorded from the date enhancements were introduced. Connecting Ireland services continue to see an increase in patronage. Compared to patronage figures in 2019, services enhanced under the Connecting Ireland Plan saw a patronage growth of 110% by the end of 20231. Where Connecting Ireland services have been implemented patronage has increased 70% from 2022 to 2023.