As part of our ongoing service monitoring and review process, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has carried out a review of the NX bus service. We are now planning a revision to the route to increase capacity and improve punctuality and reliability and provide a better service for all users. Subject to this public consultation, the changes are scheduled to be introduced in Autumn 2026.
Background
In September 2017, Bus Éireann commenced operation of the NX, a high frequency, limited stop commuter service to provide a strategic connection between Dublin City and Navan via Blanchardstown on behalf of the NTA. Patronage on the route has grown consistently since its implementation, currently carrying over 80,000 passengers every 4-week period with December 2025 representing a rise of 50% on the same period in 2019.
Current NX
The current NX service operates on the following route:
Navan – Johnstown – Blanchardstown – Phibsborough – Broadstone – Dublin City Centre – Wilton Terrace
The first scheduled departure from Navan is at 05:40, with the final departure at 00:35. From Dublin, the earliest scheduled departure is at 04:20, while the last service departs at 23:12. Journeys are scheduled to take approximately 90 minutes on average.
The service operates at a 20-minute frequency and follows a faster alignment between Navan and Blanchardstown compared to the alternative Route 109. It should also be noted that, within Dublin County, stops operate as set down only on inbound journeys and pick-up only on outbound journeys. This arrangement is intended to preserve capacity for the service’s primary function of serving passengers from the Meath area. Figure 1: Map of Existing NX
The town of Navan has experienced significant population growth since the introduction of the NX service, increasing from 30,173 in the 2016 census to 33,886 in the 2022 census. Analysis of housing completions suggests that approximately 2,300 new dwellings were constructed between 2019 and 2025, indicating that population growth is continuing at a strong pace. As noted earlier, patronage on the route has also risen sharply over this period.
Amidst this high demand several persistent issues have become apparent with the route. These issues are:
Insufficient capacity at peak times despite high frequencies. Capacity issues are most prevalent on trips to Dublin between 05:40 and 08:30 (particularly at Johnstown in Navan) and trips departing from Dublin between 16:30 and 18:30
Congestion related delays notably on the M3 between Pace and Clonee where the route operates in mixed traffic without priority measures. Subsequent issues in journey reliability have created issues with capacity for the earliest service out of Navan at 05:40.
Major variability in journey times between O’Connell Street and Wilton Terrace resulting in frequent delays accumulating along this corridor, particularly during the evening peak. This can significantly disrupt outbound evening services, reducing reliability and exacerbating peak-period crowding in the Dublin to Navan direction.
A package of proposed changes has been put together to tackle these issues. Below is a summary of the proposed changes for the route:
Proposed changes to the NX Route
Introduce additional early morning weekday departures at 05:00 and 05:20 between Navan and Dublin
Increase peak-period frequency to approximately every 15 minutes between Navan and Dublin from 06:30 to 08:00, and between Dublin and Navan from 16:00 to 17:30. This proposed enhancement provides for a 24% increase in service levels at peak times when compared to the current timetable. Additional overlapping departures will be added where required to meet demand.
Some late evening services from Navan will now terminate at O’Connell Street, and some early morning services to Navan will depart from Beresford Place.
Replace the terminus at Wilton Terrace with a new terminus at Moss Street (south of Talbot Memorial Bridge), facilitating interchange with the DART at Tara Street Station and onward city bus connections from Lower Sandwith Street. For outbound services towards Navan, the first pick-up stop will be at Pearse Station, again facilitating interchange with the DART and city bus services.
Remove stops at Westland Row, Merrion Square, and Wilton Terrace to reduce exposure to city centre congestion and improve service reliability.
Figure 2: Map of Proposed NX Routing in Dublin City Centre
These changes are planned to be introduced in Autumn 2026. Notice of network changes and detailed passenger information will be made available in advance of any changes.
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:
NX Bus Service Revisions
National Transport Authority
Transport Service Planning,
Haymarket House,
Smithfield,
Dublin 7,
D07 CF98
Closing Date
Observations on the new network can be made here on or before the 24th June 2026 at 17:00.
Data Privacy
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. All submissions received may be published.
NX Bus Service Revisions
Primary tabs
NX Bus Service Revisions
As part of our ongoing service monitoring and review process, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has carried out a review of the NX bus service. We are now planning a revision to the route to increase capacity and improve punctuality and reliability and provide a better service for all users. Subject to this public consultation, the changes are scheduled to be introduced in Autumn 2026.
Background
In September 2017, Bus Éireann commenced operation of the NX, a high frequency, limited stop commuter service to provide a strategic connection between Dublin City and Navan via Blanchardstown on behalf of the NTA. Patronage on the route has grown consistently since its implementation, currently carrying over 80,000 passengers every 4-week period with December 2025 representing a rise of 50% on the same period in 2019.
Current NX
The current NX service operates on the following route:
Navan – Johnstown – Blanchardstown – Phibsborough – Broadstone – Dublin City Centre – Wilton Terrace
The first scheduled departure from Navan is at 05:40, with the final departure at 00:35. From Dublin, the earliest scheduled departure is at 04:20, while the last service departs at 23:12. Journeys are scheduled to take approximately 90 minutes on average.
The service operates at a 20-minute frequency and follows a faster alignment between Navan and Blanchardstown compared to the alternative Route 109. It should also be noted that, within Dublin County, stops operate as set down only on inbound journeys and pick-up only on outbound journeys. This arrangement is intended to preserve capacity for the service’s primary function of serving passengers from the Meath area.
Figure 1: Map of Existing NX
The town of Navan has experienced significant population growth since the introduction of the NX service, increasing from 30,173 in the 2016 census to 33,886 in the 2022 census. Analysis of housing completions suggests that approximately 2,300 new dwellings were constructed between 2019 and 2025, indicating that population growth is continuing at a strong pace. As noted earlier, patronage on the route has also risen sharply over this period.
Amidst this high demand several persistent issues have become apparent with the route. These issues are:
A package of proposed changes has been put together to tackle these issues. Below is a summary of the proposed changes for the route:
Proposed changes to the NX Route
Figure 2: Map of Proposed NX Routing in Dublin City Centre
TFI Fare zones will continue to apply on the new network and more information on fares can be found here: New Fare Zones - Transport for Ireland.
These changes are planned to be introduced in Autumn 2026. Notice of network changes and detailed passenger information will be made available in advance of any changes.
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:
NX Bus Service Revisions
National Transport Authority
Transport Service Planning,
Haymarket House,
Smithfield,
Dublin 7,
D07 CF98
Closing Date
Observations on the new network can be made here on or before the 24th June 2026 at 17:00.
Data Privacy
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. All submissions received may be published.
Share
Submissions
Themes