New Newport bus service launched

Local Link Tipperary has officially launched a new Thurles to Limerick city via Newport bus service.
The new service, number 391, operates three return trips daily, seven days a week, including bank holidays. The service commences its journey at Thurles Railway Station and Liberty Square, and ends its journey in Arthur's Quay in Limerick city. It has bus stops along its route at Ballycahill, Upperchurch, Kilcommon and Rearcross, two stops in Newport, Knockbrack West and University of Limerick.
The new service has been in operation since late September and is currently exceeding expectations regarding forecasted passenger numbers.
The new service was officially launched by Joan Ryan (retired Rural Transport Co-ordinator), John Devane (2020 U20 Tipperary Hurling Manager) and Paddy Barry (Chairperson of Local Link Tipperary). The event was attended by public representatives, Tipperary County Council staff, National Transport Authority (NTA) staff, local bus operators and a large number of people representing a diverse spectrum of organisations and individuals whom Local Link has assisted and served over the last number of years.
Speakers at the event included Maureen Cournane (NTA), John Devane, Paddy Barry, Alan Kelly TD, Michael Lowry TD and Jackie Cahill TD. Local Link Tipperary Manager Anthony Moroney opened the event and gave a brief history of the origins of Local Link Tipperary, its history, its voluntary Board of Directors, and pointed out that this new commuter style service is fully wheelchair accessible, and that the intentions of Local Link Tipperary in conjunction with the National Transport Authority are to provide fully accessible transport on all its services by 2021.
Maureen Cournane spoke briefly about the success and the development of Local Link Tipperary and its transport services. She spoke about the NTA’s role in supporting the 15 Local Link Companies nationally in the development and implementations of new rural transport services.
John Devane spoke about the challenges facing the modern day student in accessing third level education as a result of the spiralling rental costs, the recent learner driver legislation, and how some students find it hard to settle and live in large urban centres. He added that transport services such as the one that has been launched now give students and other individuals potential access to greater opportunities than would have otherwise existed.
Paddy Barry thanked all who contributed to getting this new service off the ground, and paid special mention to several current and former Board members for their contributions. He also thanked all Local Link Tipperary, private bus operators and their drivers, who operate the services on behalf of Local Link Tipperary, stating that they provide more than just a passenger transport service, but also a social service. He advised that the new service connects with Bus Éireann’s Limerick
city (304) service, allowing passengers travel further to University Limerick Hospital and Limerick IT.
Alan Kelly TD, Michael Lowry TD and Jackie Cahill TD all spoke briefly and welcomed the new transport service, and pointed out that both vision and finance are required to get such services up and running. They wished Local Link Tipperary every success with the new service. They also called on the NTA and Department of Transport to provide more funding to Local Link companies nationally and locally.
In a statement, Deputy Kelly said he worked on the initiative when he was Minister for Commuter Transport. “It is wonderful to see this in operation,” Deputy Kelly added. “This a valuable service to the community.”
Anthony Moroney closed the event and invited the large crowd to inspect the vehicle and view its accessibility characteristics.