Excitement as free bus service launches for communities in Kilkenny
The Barrow Bus route will run from Bagenalstown (Muine Bheag) train station in County Carlow through the scenic Kilkenny villages of Paulstown, Goresbridge, Skeoughvosteen and Graignamanagh
The Barrow Bus project was launched on Friday at Barrow Valley Activities Hub, Graignamanagh, County Kilkenny.
The free service will run eight daily trips along the River Barrow this summer.
An action research project, it has been devised by Kilkenny LEADER Partnership in consultation with the local community, aiming to fill a gap in the existing transport network and inform stakeholders on rural mobility services that could be developed in the area.
For this summer at least, it will make it possible for people all over the country to access the amenities of Ireland’s second biggest river by train and bus.
The Barrow Bus route will run from Bagenalstown (Muine Bheag) train station in County Carlow through the scenic Kilkenny villages of Paulstown, Goresbridge, Skeoughvosteen and Graignamanagh.
Some services will extend further to St Mullins in County Carlow before making the return journey.
Speaking at the launch of the project, Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr Mary Hilda Cavanagh said that “this is a wonderful opportunity to make the beautiful Barrow valley more accessible to people all over Kilkenny, Carlow and beyond. Walkers from near and far will now be able to explore the tranquil Barrow Way with a free bus service back to their starting point.
“This will make for fantastic day trips for families, friends and community groups, creating opportunities for local businesses along the way. I am sure the many connecting bus and train routes will attract visitors from all over Ireland, and I would encourage visitors to Kilkenny City to extend their trip into the great outdoors here along the river.”
The project organisers stressed that the tourism appeal is intended to complement the need for locals to access services without relying on their car, and ever-expensive fuel.
Speaking in advance of the launch, Kilkenny LEADER Partnership CEO Declan Rice explained that “despite recent improvements, rural bus services are still not a viable daily option for most people.”
Mr Rice continued: “Our research shows that the 75,000 people in Kilkenny county have less than 10% the daily bus trips per person that Dublin city has. Services are too sparse and not integrated sufficiently with other modes of public transport.
“Skeoughovosteen, for example, has not had any bus service in living memory. This summer, people there will be able to get all the way to Dublin by bus and train for €10. Goresbridge and Paulstown are one parish with no bus link between them. Now, teenagers will be able to get to their GAA club without needing a lift, saving their parents time and money.
“Where there are existing services, such as the Local Link route from St Mullins to Graignamanagh to Bagenalstown, we have designed the Barrow Bus to add more trips and create higher frequency. We have worked hard to make sure the timetable connects with bus and train services all along the route, especially the nationwide services in Paulstown and Bagenalstown.”
This week’s EPA report showed Ireland was projected to fall far short of 2030 emissions targets, with the transport sector slow to change and heavy fines looming if targets aren’t reached.
According to Rice, the Barrow Bus project also aims to stimulate a broader conversation and political urgency for making rural bus services a bigger part of this picture.
“We have excellent road infrastructure in Ireland. The fastest and cheapest way to transform public transport is to have buses running through every village and town every hour or two per day, connecting with the national bus and train network.
“The impact this would have on quality of life in rural Ireland would be huge.”
To book a free journey, go to www.barrowbus.palisis.com. Booking is not required, but is recommended to ensure a seat.
The service is operating as a research project, with passengers asked to participate in a survey that will be linked by QR code on their free ticket.
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