Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed the announcement that TFI Local Link Route 548 Ballinasloe to Loughrea is to be significantly enhanced from 14 July 2025 as part of the Government’s Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.

The enhanced route will now extend from Ballinasloe to Athlone and will include weekend services for the first time, operating four return trips daily from Monday to Sunday. The expanded service will also introduce peak-time and evening options, improving access to regional bus services and both Ballinasloe and Athlone Train Stations.

Minister Canney said: “This is excellent news for people living in East Galway and Roscommon. The extension of Route 548 to Athlone and the introduction of weekend and evening services will make it easier for people to access work, education, healthcare, and social connections.

“It’s a great example of how the Connecting Ireland Plan is transforming rural transport and ensuring that communities are no longer left behind when it comes to public transport investment. I commend the National Transport Authority and Local Link Galway for continuing to deliver these much-needed improvements.”

The revised route will now serve Bellough, Summerhill, Cornafulla, Clonark, Dubarry, Kilconnell, Ballyfa and Bullaun, offering new connections and enhanced frequency across the region.

The upgrade forms part of the wider Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, a five-year initiative by the National Transport Authority (NTA) to improve connectivity in rural Ireland.