Minister of State with responsibility for Rural Transport, Jerry Buttimer TD, today joined the National Transport Authority (NTA) and Westmeath County Council to officially launch a new town bus service for Mullingar, significantly enhancing public transport options for the town and surrounding communities.
From Sunday, 22 February, two dedicated town bus routes, MU1 and MU2, will commence operation as part of the Transport for Ireland (TFI) Network, providing frequent, reliable and accessible services throughout the day and into the late evening.
Operated by Bernard Kavanagh and Sons, the new services will improve connectivity between key destinations including the town centre, Midland Regional Hospital Mullingar, Saint Mary’s Hospital Campus, Mullingar Business Park, Lough Sheever Corporate Park, Mullingar Train Station, and the wider TFI bus network.
Each route will operate at a 30‑minute frequency in both directions, seven days a week. A shared central spine between Castle Street and Midland Regional Hospital will see both routes converge, delivering a combined 15‑minute frequency along this key corridor.
The Mullingar Town Bus Services will operate for up to 18 hours a day, providing early morning and late‑night services that support shift workers, students, social and leisure trips, and the continued growth of Mullingar’s evening and night‑time economy.
Late‑night services will improve access to restaurants, entertainment venues, cultural events and evening employment, while offering a safe, affordable and sustainable alternative to private car use.
Cashless payment will be available through the Leap Card fare system, including access to the TFI 90‑Minute Fare, which allows free transfers between the two routes. Free Travel Passes will also be accepted on board.
Speaking ahead of the launch, Minister Jerry Buttimer TD said: “This new town bus service for Mullingar is a strong example of the Government’s commitment to improving rural and regional mobility under our wider transport and climate policies. By expanding reliable, frequent and accessible public transport in regional towns, we are ensuring that people can travel safely and affordably for work, education, healthcare and social activities without relying on private cars. Services like this support rural communities, strengthen local economies and play an important role in delivering a more connected, sustainable and inclusive transport network across Ireland.”
Anne Shaw, CEO of the National Transport Authority added:
“Connecting communities and making public transport an easy, everyday choice is at the core of the NTA’s Town Bus Programme. The new Mullingar Town Bus Service is designed to support how people live, work and travel locally, with frequent services, long operating hours and strong links to the wider TFI network. Approximately two‑thirds of Mullingar’s population now live within 400 metres of a town bus stop, with over 90% living within 800 metres, ensuring that most residents have a high‑quality public transport service within walking distance. This level of coverage will help strengthen social inclusion, support local activity and encourage more sustainable travel choices across the town.”
Cllr. Aoife Davitt, Cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council said: “This is a really positive day for Mullingar and for the wider community. The new town bus service will make everyday life that bit easier — whether it’s getting to work, heading to school or college or meeting friends in town.
“Having frequent buses running from early morning through to late evening will give people more choice in how they travel and greater independence, particularly for older residents and young people. It also makes it easier to enjoy everything Mullingar has to offer, from local businesses and sports clubs to restaurants and cultural events.
“We’re delighted to see this level of investment in Mullingar and to work alongside the NTA and Bernard Kavanagh and Sons to deliver a service that will benefit families, businesses and communities across the town for years to come.”
Bernard Kavanagh, Managing Director from Bernard Kavanagh and Sons Ltd, said: “We’re pleased to operate the new Mullingar Town Bus Service on behalf of the National Transport Authority, in partnership with Westmeath County Council. The MU1 and MU2 routes will provide a frequent, reliable link between homes, workplaces, healthcare services and the rail network — offering a practical alternative to the car.
“Our focus is on delivering a dependable service and a positive experience for passengers. We’d like to thank the NTA team, Westmeath County Council and our own drivers and staff whose work made this possible. We believe this service will make a real difference to mobility and everyday life in Mullingar.”
Mullingar is the latest town to benefit from investment under the NTA’s Town Bus Programme. There are now eleven town bus services in operation across Ireland, including Athlone, Balbriggan, Carlow, Clonmel, Drogheda, Dundalk, Kilkenny, Navan, Sligo and Portlaoise, which launched last year to strong passenger demand. Further town services are planned for rollout in 2026 and beyond.
The Mullingar Town Bus Service is funded through the NTA’s Town Bus Programme Allocation for 2025, supporting community‑focused and economically sustainable transport solutions as part of the Transport for Ireland (TFI) Network.
For more information on the Mullingar Town Bus Service, including route maps and timetables, visit Mullingar and other Town Bus services – Network Maps.
