Buncrana to pilot dedicated late-night bus service over bank holiday weekends
Buncrana has been selected as one of three towns across the country to roll out a dedicated late-night bus service over the next four long weekends and on Culture Night.
The new late-night transport pilot service, ‘The One @ One’, specifically designed to support Buncrana and the surrounding Inishowen area, will operate over the May, June, August, and October Bank Holiday weekends.
Welcoming Buncrana’s inclusion in the pilot programme – Sligo and Longford are also selected - Donegal Minister of State, Charlie McConalogue, said: “This is a worthwhile initiative for Buncrana and the wider Inishowen peninsula. Government’s decision to pilot the ‘The One @ One’ in Buncrana is an acknowledgement that rural towns need tailored transport solutions that reflect our unique geography. It’s also a great boost for rural safety and the local night-time economy.”
The initiative, announced by the Minister for Culture, Patrick O’Donovan, will see a dedicated late-night bus service (Route 959) operating from Buncrana to Greencastle via Carndonagh at 1:00 am. The pilot is a collaborative effort between the Department of Culture, the National Transport Authority (NTA), and Local Link, working alongside Donegal County Council. It aims to gather data on rural demand to shape future transport policy across Ireland.
“Buncrana is a vibrant town with a brilliant hospitality and arts scene. This service ensures that people can support our local pubs, restaurants, and cultural venues with the peace of mind that they have a safe and affordable way to get home to Carndonagh or Greencastle. It strengthens our local economy while prioritising public safety,” the Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy added.
“Thanks to the NTA and Local Link for their work in bringing the project to fruition. I would encourage everyone in the community to make use of this service during the pilot weekends. If we can show the demand is there, a strong case can then be made for the provision of more permanent connectivity for North Donegal,” he said.
“I’d also like to acknowledge the excellent work being done by the Buncrana Town Team which is chaired by my party colleague, Cllr Fionán Bradley.