Bus Éireann 132 service frequency in Wicklow to increase as funding arrives

By Hugh O'Farrell Walsh, The Wicklow People

The National Transport Authority (NTA) appear to have rowed back on a decision not to introduce an extra service on the 132 Bus Éireann route serving passengers in parts of west Wicklow.

The route services commuters in Blessington, Baltinglass, Kiltegan, Tinahely and Carnew.

Following correspondence with Wicklow TD Edward Timmins over the summer, the NTA confirmed they were not able to enhance public transport schedules in the area because the Department of Transport had placed a hold on uncommitted expenditure for new public transport services.

In a further update provided to Deputy Timmins this week, the NTA advised the Department of Transport that plans to enhance route 132 are at an advanced stage. Discussions around funding for the expansion are ongoing, as is regular engagement between the NTA and operators on resource needs.

Budget 2026 discussions will include consideration of increased funding for all public transport services, including those serving rural areas.

Operational decisions regarding service delivery rest with the NTA, in collaboration with transport operators and are subject to funding and resource availability.

Deputy Edward Timmins has expressed the need for the service to increase its frequency.

“The current service is already overcrowded, limited in time, and hasn’t fully kept pace with the increased demand and transport needs of residents here in west Wicklow.

“We must see more balanced regional development as stipulated by the National Development Plan and the Climate Action Plan.”

In a statement junior minister Jerry Buttimer acknowledged the importance of better connecting rural communities with improved public transport.

“These connections bring social, economic and environmental benefits and are opening new ways of travelling across the country.

“Routes such as this year’s new service between Carnew and Baltinglass include evening connections and facilitate smooth integration with regional bus routes, further strengthening mobility and access for residents across the wider region.”

Since 2022 Connecting Ireland has delivered over 175 new or improved services, linking more than 240 towns and villages to the public transport network. In 2024 alone, nearly 8 million passenger journeys were recorded on Connecting Ireland services.