Limerick demand-responsive transport pilot extended

Limerick Demand-Responsive Transport Pilot Extended

The National Transport Authority (NTA), working in partnership with TFI Local Link Limerick Clare, has officially announced the extension of the TFI Anseo pilot service in Limerick. This decision ensures the innovative demand-responsive transport scheme continues to connect residents with essential services and community hubs.

This announcement arrives one year after the initial launch of three TFI Anseo pilots, beginning in Achill on 15 July 2025 and followed by the Limerick rollout almost ten months later. Operated under the TFI Local Link network, these schemes have gathered valuable data on how flexible transport can enhance mobility in rural areas. With all three pilots remaining within budget, the NTA is extending the Limerick service to capitalise on its achievements.

A comprehensive final report from each pilot is anticipated by December 2026.

The TFI Anseo service has become integral to daily life for many, facilitating trips to work, college, medical appointments, shopping, and social engagements. Since launching on 13 October 2025, the Limerick operation has supported over 50,000 passenger journeys. This flexible booking system, accessible via app or phone, has helped residents reach employment, education, healthcare, retail, and social opportunities.

Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien expressed his pleasure at the extension: "I am very pleased to see the TFI Anseo pilot service being extended following its highly successful first year. The sheer number of passenger journeys recorded shows that the local community have embraced this innovative service, which truly puts the passenger at the heart of the journey. Extending the pilot allows us to continue learning how to provide practical transport solutions that encourage sustainable and inclusive travel."

Minister of State with responsibility for Rural Transport, Jerry Buttimer, added: "I’m delighted to see these pilot projects extended. I have heard directly from business owners, employees and local residents how TFI Anseo has changed the way they travel. That’s a strong vote of confidence in how demand-responsive transport can serve rural communities."

Anne Shaw, CEO of the National Transport Authority, stated: "We are delighted to extend the TFI Anseo pilot in Limerick following a successful first year of operation. Delivering the service within budget while continuing to respond to the needs of local communities demonstrates the potential of demand-responsive transport to become an important part of Ireland’s rural public transport network. Most importantly, this extension means that people across the North East Limerick area can continue to benefit from a flexible and accessible transport service that helps them get to work, education, healthcare appointments and social activities."

Anne Gaughan, General Manager of TFI Local Link Limerick Clare, commented: "We are delighted to see the TFI Anseo pilot in Limerick extended, allowing us to continue providing a flexible and responsive transport service that is making a real difference for people across the area. Over the past year, we have seen how the service has helped connect people with employment, education, healthcare and social opportunities. The extension gives us the opportunity to build on that success and further demonstrate the role demand-responsive transport can play in supporting vibrant and connected communities."

Funded through the Government’s Climate Action Fund, TFI Anseo is a key component of the NTA’s Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan. Throughout the pilot, passenger feedback has been central to refining the service. Over the coming autumn months, the NTA will conduct further customer satisfaction surveys to evaluate the passenger experience.

As the pilot continues, the NTA will collaborate closely with local communities and stakeholders to inform the future development of demand-responsive public transport across Ireland. Further information regarding booking options and service details is available at www.transportforireland.ie.