Cork North West Fine Gael TD, Deputy John Paul O’Shea, has warmly welcomed confirmation from the National Transport Authority (NTA) that a proposed new bus service linking Mallow and Killarney has been approved.
The new service, which will be known as Route 515, will link the towns of Mallow and Killarney, and will service villages such as Ballyclough, Castlemagner, Kanturk, Boherbue, Knocknagree, Rathmore, Gneeveguilla and Kilcummin en route. The new route is currently at an advanced stage of planning and once operational will provide up to six return services daily, seven days a week.
Welcoming this new bus service, Deputy O’Shea said “This is excellent news for the communities of Mallow, Ballyclough, Castlemagner, Kanturk, Boherbue, Knocknagree, Rathmore and all the surrounding areas. Reliable public transport is vital for connecting people across rural North Cork and Kerry – supporting access to work, education, healthcare, and local amenities.”
The NTA has confirmed that the service is in the final stages of planning, with commencement dependent on the availability of resources and funding. Adding his support, local Fine Gael Councillor Tony O’Shea said “This proposed new bus route will be a game-changer for local residents. It will greatly enhance connectivity between our main town in Mallow and villages, and make travel far easier for families, students and older people. It’s a very positive development for our region.”