The National Transport Authority (NTA) announced today the launch of a public consultation regarding the improvement of bus services along the Cork – Macroom corridor. The NTA, in partnership with Bus Éireann and TFI Local Link Cork, is proposing to re-structure and improve the level of service on Route 233 in County Cork.
Improved connectivity with regional and local services
The proposed enhancements improve the level of service and operating hours along the Macroom – Ballincollig – Cork City corridor on weekdays and throughout the weekends. We also propose to extend the route westwards in Macroom. The package of improvements will result in improved connectivity with regional and local services at Cork and Macroom Bus Stations.
Three strands: Northern, Central and Southern Variants
The plan will involve splitting the service into three strands, organised into a northern variant (N), a central variant (C) and a southern variant (S):
- Route 233N will follow the Macroom – Coachford – Dripsey – Ballincollig – Cork City route, diverting through Ballincollig instead of Lee Road before heading to Cork City via Carrigrohane Road.
- Route 233C will operate on the Macroom – Crookstown – Faranes – Farran – Ovens (EMC) – Ballincollig pathway, connecting with urban Route 220 services in Ballincollig.
- Route 233S will run on the Macroom – Kilmurry – Crookstown – Aherla – Killumney – Ballincollig – Cork City route.
The proposal also includes extending Route 233 to Lios Na Fea and Gurteenroe in the western suburbs of Macroom.
New service, Route 256 Macroom to Bantry
In addition, the proposed plan aims to introduce a new service, Route 256, to serve Macroom – Inchigeelagh – Ballingeary – Kealkill – Bantry and return, seven days a week.
Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan
This restructuring is part of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, which is a major initiative developed and funded by the NTA as part of the Transport for Ireland (TFI) Network.
The public consultation will run for three weeks and closes at 4pm on Monday 13th May 2024.
Have your say by clicking the link: Route 233 Amendment