Proposed new and enhanced routes under the Connecting Ireland Mobility Plan for 2023 will include 6 routes for County Cavan in total. The new routes for Cavan will take in Cootehill, Shercock, Bailieborough and Cavan Town.
It is believed Bus Éireann, will be a "key partner" in delivering the new Connecting Ireland services this year. A new route on the Clones to Newry Road was also confirmed for quarter three of this year.
Speaking to Northern Sound, Cavan Councillor, Sarah O'Reilly said the new routes will go a "long way" to filling in the huge gap in public bus services in the east of the county.
She added that the proposed move was a "long time in the making" and that she was "delighted" to see Cavan being well so represented in the new proposals.
"I have been a long time calling for improved services in our area and I am delighted to see that Cavan and especially east Cavan is well represented in the proposals launched on Friday, 9% of new and improved routes will happen in Cavan under this year’s plan," explained Cllr O'Reilly.
"It should be noted that there was huge interest during the public consultation period for the connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan from the people of County Cavan. There were 53 submissions from Cavan, compare this with 3 Submissions from Longford, 6 submissions from Monaghan, Cavan were to the fore in getting their opinions out there to be heard to the NTA.
"Cavan County Council held a special meeting with councillors in December 2021 to put together a submission for the entire county. I also made an individual submission and encouraged local groups to do likewise. I also assisted the community and enterprise section in Cavan County Council with putting together their submission that clearly showed the huge gaps in public transport in the county.
"I have seen a few plans come and go, either through lack of funding or political will since I started my campaign for better public transport services in East Cavan, I really hope the political will and corresponding necessary funding will be there to make these new proposals a reality for the people that I serve in East Cavan."
