Limerick Demand-Responsive Transport Pilot Service Extended

TFI Anseo Pilot Extended in Limerick

The National Transport Authority (NTA), working alongside TFI Local Link Limerick Clare, has officially announced the extension of the TFI Anseo pilot service in Limerick. This decision ensures that the innovative demand-responsive transport system continues to link people with essential services and locations vital to their daily lives.

This announcement arrives one year after the first pilot launched in Achill on 15 July 2025, and nearly ten months after the service began in Limerick. Operated under the TFI Local Link network, these three pilot schemes have offered significant insights into improving mobility within rural communities. Having operated within budget, the NTA is extending the Limerick service to capitalise on its achievements and gather further data.

Final reports from each pilot are anticipated by December 2026.

From commuting to work or college, attending GP appointments, shopping, and social visits, TFI Anseo is increasingly integral to everyday life for residents in the served communities. Since commencing on 13 October 2025, the Limerick service has facilitated over 50,000 passenger journeys. It helps locals access employment, education, healthcare, retail, and social opportunities through a flexible booking system available via app or phone.

Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien stated: "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, remarked: "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. The insights gained through the pilot are helping us understand how innovative transport solutions can support more connected, sustainable and inclusive communities into the future."

Anne Gaughan, General Manager of TFI Local Link Limerick Clare, noted: "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, while offering a public transport option that can adapt to local travel needs. The extension of the pilot gives us the opportunity to build on that success, continue listening to passenger feedback 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 part of the National Transport Authority’s Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, which aims to enhance sustainable transport options and connectivity for rural communities nationwide. Throughout the pilot, passenger feedback and local insights have been central to shaping and refining the service, ensuring it remains responsive to community needs. 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, operators, and stakeholders to build on lessons learned and inform the future development of demand-responsive public transport services across Ireland. Further information regarding TFI Anseo, including booking options and service details, is available at www.transportforireland.ie.