Plans to Drop Three Regional Bus Routes Deeply Concerning – Irish Examiner

Bus Éireann’s announcement to discontinue three regional Expressway services from Sunday, May 24, 2026, has drawn significant concern from rural communities and transport authorities due to the operator citing “significant” financial losses as the reason for the withdrawals.

The affected routes are Waterford to Dublin Airport (Route 4), Rosslare/Wexford-Waterford (Route 40 Segment), and Ballina-Galway (Route 52). These services are set to be withdrawn, with Bus Éireann indicating no plans to retain any segment of the discontinued routes.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has warned that ending these services would create a “significant gap” in public transport provision, particularly along the R448 corridor. Towns including Mullinavat, Ballyhale, Thomastown, Gowran, and Leighlinbridge rely on Route 4 for regular connectivity, serving stops in Waterford, Carlow Town, Dublin City, and Dublin Airport.

Local representatives and community groups have criticized the decision, arguing that it fails to meet national transport standards and reduces connectivity without offering any partial service retention. Public meetings have been held in Waterford, Kilkenny, and Carlow, with growing calls for the NTA to consider implementing a Public Service Obligation (PSO) to subsidize and protect the routes.

A PSO, as used by the NTA, involves tendering bus services to operators who agree to run specified routes in exchange for state subsidies. Supporters contend this model could ensure continuity of essential links where commercial viability is insufficient.

The NTA has confirmed it is not currently proposing alternative arrangements to replace the full routes. Bus Éireann’s move underscores the financial pressures facing regional public transport providers in maintaining commercially unviable but socially essential services.