NTA launches obrital route for Northside commuters

The National Transport Authority (NTA) in partnership with Go-Ahead Ireland, is set to launch the new northside orbital route, the N2, as part of the ongoing BusConnects Network Redesign for Dublin.

This new service, which will begin operations on Sunday 29 September, offers a new and efficient way for passengers to travel across Dublin’s Northside, without needing to pass through the city centre.

The N2 will run from Heuston Station in the west, to Clontarf Road Station on the east, serving key locations along Blackhorse Avenue, Nephin Road, Broombridge Luas, Ballyboggan Road, Old Finglas Road, Griffith Avenue and Marino. The service will run every 20 to 30 minutes with additional buses during peak hours to accommodate demand. 

This new orbital service aims to make cross-city travel easier for Dublin’s residents and commuters. At Heuston, the new route will provide connectivity to commuter and inter-city rail services; Luas; city buses; and commuter bus services. It will also offer connectivity to rail, Luas and bus services at Broombridge, along with access to DART services at Clontarf Rd.

N2 will further improve access by interchange, to DCU Glasnevin, DCU St. Patrick’s Campus, and TUD Grangegorman, and a direct connection to the Marino Institute of Education. In addition, the route passes by over 20 primary and secondary schools along this route, making it an essential service for students and staff alike.

In terms of culture and recreation, N2 will serve notable landmarks such as the Phoenix Park, National Museum of Ireland – Collins Barracks, Glasnevin Cemetery, and Casino Marino.

It will provide new direct connectivity to places of employment in areas like Ballyboggan Rd, and great connections with route N4 at Clontarf Road Station for jobs in North Docklands.

As part of the wider Transport for Ireland Network, the N2 will contribute to a seamless travel experience across the region, enhancing overall public transport accessibility and efficiency.

Anne Graham, CEO of the National Transport Authority, said: “The introduction of the N2 is another significant step in enhancing Dublin’s public transport system – connecting more people, to more places. The orbital routes are an exciting way to provide greater connectivity and convenience for passengers, while also supporting our broader sustainability goals for the city.

Dervla McKay, Managing Director of Go-Ahead Ireland, said: “Go-Ahead Ireland is proud to operate the new N2 orbital service and to play its part in growing the BusConnects network in the city centre. As our public transport network expands, we move closer to achieving our sustainable mobility aims by providing passengers with an alternative to the private car. With its proximity to schools and workplaces and its connectivity to the rail network, the N2 will bring more people to more destinations and Go-Ahead Ireland is excited to contribute to the growth and movement of our city and beyond.”

The launch of the N2 marks the tenth orbital route introduced under the BusConnects Network Redesign. Previous routes include the N4, N6, S2, S4, S6, S8, W2, W4 AND W61/2. The NTA plans to further expand the network, with the inner orbital Route O scheduled for implementation next year and N8 linking Blanchardstown to Dublin Airport to follow in a later phase 

Further details on the N2 route, including a full timetable and route map, please visit: https://www.transportforireland.ie/getting-around/by-bus/n2-orbital-route/.