PILOT BUS SERVICE

The Lingaun Loop was a pilot bus service which operated during Summer 2025 running five times a day, seven days a week.

The aim of the project was to research the passenger patterns on such a service in an area without adequate public transport coverage, and to identify issues that might arise with the provision of such a service.

The area is one of high rich history, archaeological sites, and beautiful villages and, while the service was available to all, there was a strong focus on supporting visitors from outside to visit and explore the region without a private car.

It was an action-research project for which Kilkenny LEADER Partnership was the promoter, working in collaboration with the Lingaun Valley Tourism Group. Funding was received for both the Area Mobility Research and the Marketing & Development of the service. The vehicle and driver were supplied by Ring-a-Link, which developed a route in collaboration with the local community.

On completion of the service, the findings were presented both to the local community in Tullahought and to transport stakeholders – including Minister of State at the Department of Transport Jerry Buttimer – at a seminar in Kilkenny.