The long-awaited enhanced Bus Eireann service linking the south and mid-Louth coastal villages to Drogheda and Dundalk will commence this Sunday, November 22.

The announcement was confirmed by the National Transport Authority Cllr. Michelle Hall and Deputy Ged Nash and also that Bus Eireann will cease the current 189 service on Sunday, to replace it with the enhanced Route 168.

 The main features of the new service, first announced by the local Labour representatives last year include;

• A Saturday and weekday service with up to 9 daily departures linking Drogheda & Dundalk via the coastal areas.
• Much improved evening frequency with later departures to and from Drogheda & Dundalk
• Enhanced peak time morning services with earlier arrivals into Drogheda to support commuters and those working in the town
• A new Sunday service with 4 departures linking Drogheda & Dundalk
• Locations such as Baltray, Clogher, Grangbellew & Termonfeckin linked directly to Dundalk
• The operation of all 168 services via Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital to support patients, visitors and hospital staff
• All Route 168 services to serve Dundalk Institute of Technology (DKIT)
• The deployment of low entry fully accessible vehicles.

 In a joint statement Cllr. Hall and Deputy Nash said: “We are constantly advocating for better public transport options for our area in order to better connect areas like Termonfeckin and Clogherhead with Drogheda and to encourage people to leave their cars at home.

 “We first secured a commitment on this new service in early 2019 and after significant campaigning by us and public support from the people of the area, the new enhanced service will be a reality from Sunday the 22nd November. “It is particularly gratifying to see the weekend service enhanced with four services being provided on Sundays.

 “Bus Eireann is anxious to get feedback from users of the new service and comments from service users can be forwarded to customercare@buseireann.ie.