The National Transport Authority (NTA) is proposing to amend the bus network serving Athenry and wants to hear your views. The proposal consists of the following:
Existing 425a TFI bus service to be rerouted to operate through Athenry; and
Introduction of a new 416 TFI bus service to operate between Athenry and Tuam.
The Authority is proposing to implement these two changes at the same time.
425a (Operated by Bus Éireann)
The amended 425a TFI bus service is proposed to replace the licensed Athenry – Galway City bus service which ceased to operate in late 2024.
The current 425a TFI bus service currently operates on the following route:
Between Monivea and Galway City, the current 425a TFI bus service operates on the Galway Road (R339). The Authority is proposing to reroute the 425a TFI bus service via Athenry, along the L3107 & R347 roads. The amended 425a TFI bus service would no longer operate on the section of road between Monivea and Cussaun Cross and would no longer serve the Roundfield bus stop. See maps for proposed routing. The NTA is not proposing to increase the frequency of the amended 425a TFI bus service initially.
The proposal includes six new bus stop locations: four pairs in Athenry and two pairs at Caherateemore South and Tysaxon.
416 TFI Bus Route (Operated by Local Link)
The new 416 TFI bus service, operated by Local Link Galway, is proposed to provide a regular bus connection between Tuam and Athenry. The NTA proposes that the 416 TFI bus service would operate between Tuam and Athenry, via Corofin, Abbeyknockmoy and Monivea. The 416 TFI bus service is proposed to operate at four to five return journeys per day, seven days a week. See maps for proposed routing.
Rationale for proposals:
The amended 425a TFI bus service provides a new bus connection from Mountbellow, Caltra, Menlough and Monivea into Athenry, providing links to social services, employment, education and rail services in Athenry.
These proposals ensure the efficient use of resources. Currently, the 425a TFI bus service operating at peak times is well utilised. However, outside of peak times there is a large amount of passenger capacity available. The proposed changes would increase accessibility and potential patronage, particularly during off-peak periods where current capacity is underutilised.
An additional 3,500 people would live within 500m of proposed new stops provided on the amended 425a TFI bus service. This would add to demand along the route and would likely significantly grow the patronage on the bus service.
The rerouting of the 425a TFI bus service would require minimal additional resources to operate.
The rerouting of the 425a TFI bus service through Athenry enhances public transport connectivity by linking rural communities to the rail network.
The new 416 TFI bus service would be introduced to provide a new connection between Tuam and Athenry, which has been identified by the Authority and Local Link Galway as a key link in the rural transport network in Galway. This would provide a bus service to the Roundfield bus stop. It would also provide timed bus connection with rail services at Athenry.
Main issues with proposals
There would be additional journey time for people using the 425a TFI bus service for passengers travelling between Mountbellow, Caltra, Menlough, Monivea and Galway City. We estimate that this will be a minimum of 12 minutes additional travel time. However, this may vary depending on traffic conditions.
The section of R339 road between Monivea and Cussaun Cross, including Roundfield bus stop, would no longer be served by the 425a TFI bus service. This section of road is proposed to be served by the 416 TFI Local Link bus service. Passengers using the Roundfield bus stop would have to connect to onward rail/ bus services in Athenry.
There would be additional usage of the amended 425a TFI bus service in the morning and evening peak times of travel. The NTA plan to monitor whether additional bus services are required at peak times to deal with capacity issues.
Subject to funding and resource availability, implementation is targeted for 2026, following final consultation and operational planning. Following the amendment of the 425a TFI bus service, it is proposed to rename the 425a TFI bus service as the 415.
The purpose of this consultation is to collect feedback from the public, which will then be used to inform the service proposals in the Athenry area.
We encourage you to share your views on these proposed changes.
Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan
The proposed amendment of the 425a TFI bus service and introduction of the 416 TFI bus service is part of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, which is a major initiative developed and funded by the NTA as part of the Transport for Ireland (TFI) Network. The NTA previously upgraded the 425a TFI bus service in December 2023. The NTA doubled the frequency of this bus service and provided new weekend bus services on this corridor. As a result, the passenger numbers on this service have grown by c.660% between 2023 and 2025.
How to make a submission
To make an online submission, please click on “+ MAKE A SUBMISSION” button on this webpage.
Alternatively, please make a written submission to the address below:
Athenry Bus Routes Consultation
National Transport Authority
Transport Service Planning,
Haymarket House,
Smithfield,
Dublin 7,
D07 CF98
Closing Date
We welcome all feedback and commentary. The closing date is Friday 09 January 2026.
Data Privacy Statement
Making a submission indicates that you agree with the NTA Privacy Statement and NTA Public Consultation Statement of Privacy. If you require further information, please contact [email protected]
Freedom of Information
NTA is subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2014 and, therefore, must consider any request for information made under that Act. Submissions received to the consultations will be published online.
Athenry Bus Routes Consultation
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Athenry Bus Routes Consultation
The National Transport Authority (NTA) is proposing to amend the bus network serving Athenry and wants to hear your views. The proposal consists of the following:
Existing 425a TFI bus service to be rerouted to operate through Athenry; and
Introduction of a new 416 TFI bus service to operate between Athenry and Tuam.
The Authority is proposing to implement these two changes at the same time.
425a (Operated by Bus Éireann)
The amended 425a TFI bus service is proposed to replace the licensed Athenry – Galway City bus service which ceased to operate in late 2024.
The current 425a TFI bus service currently operates on the following route:
Mountbellow – Caltra – Menlough – Monivea – Carnmore – Galway City
Between Monivea and Galway City, the current 425a TFI bus service operates on the Galway Road (R339). The Authority is proposing to reroute the 425a TFI bus service via Athenry, along the L3107 & R347 roads. The amended 425a TFI bus service would no longer operate on the section of road between Monivea and Cussaun Cross and would no longer serve the Roundfield bus stop. See maps for proposed routing. The NTA is not proposing to increase the frequency of the amended 425a TFI bus service initially.
The proposal includes six new bus stop locations: four pairs in Athenry and two pairs at Caherateemore South and Tysaxon.
416 TFI Bus Route (Operated by Local Link)
The new 416 TFI bus service, operated by Local Link Galway, is proposed to provide a regular bus connection between Tuam and Athenry. The NTA proposes that the 416 TFI bus service would operate between Tuam and Athenry, via Corofin, Abbeyknockmoy and Monivea. The 416 TFI bus service is proposed to operate at four to five return journeys per day, seven days a week. See maps for proposed routing.
Rationale for proposals:
The amended 425a TFI bus service provides a new bus connection from Mountbellow, Caltra, Menlough and Monivea into Athenry, providing links to social services, employment, education and rail services in Athenry.
These proposals ensure the efficient use of resources. Currently, the 425a TFI bus service operating at peak times is well utilised. However, outside of peak times there is a large amount of passenger capacity available. The proposed changes would increase accessibility and potential patronage, particularly during off-peak periods where current capacity is underutilised.
An additional 3,500 people would live within 500m of proposed new stops provided on the amended 425a TFI bus service. This would add to demand along the route and would likely significantly grow the patronage on the bus service.
The rerouting of the 425a TFI bus service would require minimal additional resources to operate.
The rerouting of the 425a TFI bus service through Athenry enhances public transport connectivity by linking rural communities to the rail network.
The new 416 TFI bus service would be introduced to provide a new connection between Tuam and Athenry, which has been identified by the Authority and Local Link Galway as a key link in the rural transport network in Galway. This would provide a bus service to the Roundfield bus stop. It would also provide timed bus connection with rail services at Athenry.
Main issues with proposals
There would be additional journey time for people using the 425a TFI bus service for passengers travelling between Mountbellow, Caltra, Menlough, Monivea and Galway City. We estimate that this will be a minimum of 12 minutes additional travel time. However, this may vary depending on traffic conditions.
The section of R339 road between Monivea and Cussaun Cross, including Roundfield bus stop, would no longer be served by the 425a TFI bus service. This section of road is proposed to be served by the 416 TFI Local Link bus service. Passengers using the Roundfield bus stop would have to connect to onward rail/ bus services in Athenry.
There would be additional usage of the amended 425a TFI bus service in the morning and evening peak times of travel. The NTA plan to monitor whether additional bus services are required at peak times to deal with capacity issues.
Subject to funding and resource availability, implementation is targeted for 2026, following final consultation and operational planning. Following the amendment of the 425a TFI bus service, it is proposed to rename the 425a TFI bus service as the 415.
The purpose of this consultation is to collect feedback from the public, which will then be used to inform the service proposals in the Athenry area.
We encourage you to share your views on these proposed changes.
Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan
The proposed amendment of the 425a TFI bus service and introduction of the 416 TFI bus service is part of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, which is a major initiative developed and funded by the NTA as part of the Transport for Ireland (TFI) Network. The NTA previously upgraded the 425a TFI bus service in December 2023. The NTA doubled the frequency of this bus service and provided new weekend bus services on this corridor. As a result, the passenger numbers on this service have grown by c.660% between 2023 and 2025.
How to make a submission
To make an online submission, please click on “+ MAKE A SUBMISSION” button on this webpage.
Alternatively, please make a written submission to the address below:
Athenry Bus Routes Consultation
National Transport Authority
Transport Service Planning,
Haymarket House,
Smithfield,
Dublin 7,
D07 CF98
Closing Date
We welcome all feedback and commentary. The closing date is Friday 09 January 2026.
Data Privacy Statement
Making a submission indicates that you agree with the NTA Privacy Statement and NTA Public Consultation Statement of Privacy. If you require further information, please contact [email protected]
Freedom of Information
NTA is subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2014 and, therefore, must consider any request for information made under that Act. Submissions received to the consultations will be published online.
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