Enhanced TFI Local Link routes for north Midlands

Significant improvements to rural public transport are on the way as TFI Local Link Longford Westmeath Roscommon prepares to launch new bus routes serving the North Midlands.

The changes involve Route 816 and Route 865, and come into effect from September 15.

Part of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, the initiative is being funded and developed by the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the Transport for Ireland (TFI) network.

Route 816 is a newly introduced service offering three daily return journeys, operating seven days a week, with an extra evening service on Fridays and Saturdays.

This route is designed to boost regional connectivity, linking key locations such as Mullingar Hospital, Mullingar and Longford Train Stations, and the wider regional transport network. Communities served along the route include Glebe View, Ardagh, Ballycloghan, Carrickboy, Legan, Ballynacarrigy, Ballinalack, Multyfarnham, and Ballyglass.

Meanwhile, Route 865 has been enhanced and extended to now include Aughnacliffe and Lough Gowna.

The updated service will operate four return journeys Monday to Thursday, six on Friday, five on Saturday, and three on Sunday. This route connects rural residents to vital transport hubs such as Longford Station, Longford Town Centre, and local villages including Granard, Ballinalee, Willsbrook, Enybegs, and Deanscurragh.

Damien O’Neill, General Manager of TFI Local Link Longford Westmeath Roscommon, welcomed the launch, saying: “We’re delighted to introduce these new and enhanced TFI Local Link services as part of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan. Routes 816 and 865 will greatly improve public transport connectivity across Longford, Westmeath, and Cavan, offering more frequent services, better access and links to key destinations like Mullingar Hospital and Longford Station, as well as creating better connections to the national transport network."