‘A huge win for the city’ – new public bus service ready for Christmas

By COLIN BARTLEY

THE NEW public bus service for Kilkenny city could be picking up its first passengers before the end of the year.

The service will traverse the city and connect all areas of the city via two routes, both connected to the Ring road.

Chairperson of Kilkenny County Council Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere said this is a development that will benefit all aspects of the city.

Speaking to KilkennyNow.ie, Mr Cleere said: “We have been looking for this service for quite a while, and finally it will be in place by the end of the year.

“We have now identified all the routes and the service will be up and running in quarter-four. Already the bus-stops have started going up around the city.

“The bus service will traverse the city and will connect the ring road to all parts of the city. There will be two routes, a Green Route and a Red Route. It will be a true city-wide bus service,” Cllr Cleere said.

The county council Cathaoirleach explained the bus service is part of a larger plan to make Kilkenny more accessible and attractive for business.

“It’s a public bus service and a part of national policy. It’s a huge win for the city. It will benefit business and give people options when they commute around the city.

“We are looking to create park and ride areas on the outskirts of the city, so people coming to Kilkenny from rural areas will be able to park at a designated area on the Ring Road and use the buses to get into the city.”

As part of the infrastructural programme required for the bus services, delays and disruptions are expected.

Waterford Road, Upper Patrick Street, Ormonde Road, College Road, Old Callan Road, Gaol Road, Dominic Street, Dean Street, Sycamores, and St Luke’s Hospital can expect disruptions for two to three months.