Bus plans could transform access to Dublin Mountains

Plans to improve bus services in the Dublin Mountains are now being developed, following a push from local councillors and growing demand from residents.

Green Party councillor for Glencullen-Sandyford Oisin O’Connor has welcomed confirmation from the National Transport Authority that it is drawing up proposals for enhanced public transport links in the area, including a new route connecting Tallaght and Dundrum.

The development follows a unanimous decision by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown councillors to support a proposal from O’Connor, first tabled in June 2023, calling on the NTA to improve access to areas such as Glencullen, Ticknock and Tibradden.

Local demand for better transport has also been evident, with a petition launched by the councillor in 2023 attracting almost a thousand signatures from residents seeking a regular and reliable bus service for the Dublin Mountains.

The NTA has now confirmed that plans are being prepared for an east-west link across the mountains, connecting key destinations between Tallaght and Dundrum.

O’Connor said the progress represents a significant step forward for communities in the area and highlighted the potential impact on both residents and visitors.

“Getting this far is a huge win for the community living in Dublin Mountains.

“This would be transformative for residents here in the Dublin Mountains and there’s such strong support for sustainable transport links among all the people I’ve spoken to about this.

“For our visitors and our local businesses, it’d be a game changer too.

“A bus that takes you from the Luas up to Glencullen Adventure Park for downhill mountain bike thrills or just a breathtaking hike, then hop on the bus to the Blue Light for a creamy pint and back to the Luas again in the evening.

“I’m lucky to live within walking distance of Ticknock, but there are tens of thousands of people with the mountains on their doorstep who can’t access them without a car.”

As well as the proposed new route, the NTA has indicated that it intends to introduce a seven-day bus service to Glencullen, addressing concerns about limited weekday-only services.

O’Connor said the change would make a meaningful difference to daily life in the area.

“Families in Glencullen can’t be expected to rely on public transport when it’s only a 5-day a week service.

Whether it’s teenagers meeting their friends on the weekend or residents who work weekends, a 7 day service for the 44b would be so welcome for the community.”

However, he warned that funding constraints could delay or limit the rollout of improved services, pointing to concerns raised by the NTA about available resources.

“Like any formal replies I receive from the NTA, they’ve told me that better bus services to the Dublin Mountains are ‘subject to resources and funding availability’.

“As reported by Department of Transport officials in January, the Government’s Budget for 2026 limited the NTA’s funding to roll out any new bus services.

“I know that photo opportunities, double yellow lines and media appearances keep local Government TDs from Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil very busy, but I hope that this year they can secure sufficient public transport funding in Budget 2027, before voting for it.

“When the NTA are ready to roll out the Dublin Mountains bus service, lack of Government funding shouldn’t be what stops it.”