Controversial Galway bus reroute scrapped following public consultation
The 425A bus service in Galway will remain unchanged as a result of a public consultation on a suggested route diversion.
The 425A service linking Mountbellew and Galway city will stay on its original course after nearly four months of consideration to re-route through Athenry, according to written confirmation by the National Transport Authority.
Last November, the NTA was prompted to begin a public consultation for the plans which were intended to be implemented before Christmas 2025.
Concerns over bus capacity and increased journey times on an already busy service had elected officials calling for a reconsideration, stressing the importance of public opinion on such a change.
The change would have seen the bus entering the town along the Athenry-Monivea Road, passing through Balydavid and Caheroyan, before continuing out the Tuam Road to rejoin its original path into Galway.
160 members of the public submitted their opinion on the project which also included a Local Link service between Tuam and Athenry.
However, Athenry remains without a direct bus to the city after a private service withdrew in 2024 due to lack of demand and rising transportation costs.
“Athenry has now been without a bus service for the past 18 months. There is now no excuse for this to continue any longer. Government and the NTA need to step up to the plate and fund a direct bus service to Galway,” Galway East TD Louis O’Hara said.