Contracts awarded for Bus Route 817: Kilkenny – Castlecomer – Dublin and Naas – Castlecomer

The National Transport Authority has awarded contracts to Bernard Kavanagh Ltd and Bus Éireann for the operation of Bus Route 817 services from Kilkenny to Dublin (return) via Castlecomer and from Naas to Castlecomer (return). All services operate via Naas Hospital. These routes are now up and running and they supplement the commercial bus service provided by JJ Kavanagh on Route 717 (Clonmel – Kilkenny – Dublin – Dublin Airport). Journey and fare details can be found on the Authority’s National Journey Planner at http://www.transportforireland.ie/.

• Free Travel passes are accepted on both routes. Return fares are available on both services and passengers may use tickets purchased on either service to complete their journey.
• Through fares are also available for use on Bus Éireann Routes 126 and 130 which provide connecting services from Naas to Dublin and return.

These awards follow the completion of a detailed examination of services in the region. This examination included significant dialogue with a working group of public representatives and members of the community.