National Transport Authority gives date for town bus service

Late this year or early next year is when the long-awaited town bus service for Mullingar is to go ahead, the National Transport Authority has assured Minister Robert Troy.

“The NTA anticipates launching the Mullingar town bus services MU1 and MU2 in late Q4 2025 or early Q1 2026,” the authority wrote in a letter to Minister Troy.

The letter added that the timeline is subject to progress on the operating contract tender process, operator mobilisation, and bus stop construction, as well as final confirmation of funding.

Minister Troy said this week that he is happy to have received a commitment, and happy too that local input has been taken on board.

“This will be of major benefit to Mullingar, and it’s been a long wait for people who need this service – those without transport, and young people or older people who don’t drive,” he said.

“It should also help cut traffic congestion in Mullingar.”

The minister urged people to use the new service when it is available, adding that he understands that over time, the routes may be added to, as happened in Athlone.