New bus service is en route between Athenry and Galway

Popular private service was lost

The National Transport Authority (NTA) are set to work with Local Link to provide three return bus trips a day between Athenry and Galway City to replace the service that was discontinued last month.

Up to September 13, Farrell's of Athenry offered seven daily services between the two locations, running from 7am until 5pm throughout the week. They also run late night services on Friday, Saturday and Bank Holiday Sundays.

Stopping at locations such as the Parkmore and Ballybane Industrial Estates, as well as ATU Galway and the University of Galway, it was popular with commuters and students alike.

However, due to rising costs, a lack of demand and issues with free travel passes, the decision was made by the company to discontinue their daytime service.

Sinn Féin Cllr for Athenry-Oranmore Louis O’Hara had been lobbying the NTA to come to the rescue of the people of Athenry and provide an alternative service.

Read more on this story in this week's edition of The Tuam Herald