Dublin Bus Nitelink to return in line with reopening of late-night economy

Move subject to final Government decision on further easing of restrictions on October 22nd

The service, which is operated by Dublin Bus, provides late night buses on weekend nights across 16 routes in the greater Dublin area.  Photograph: Alan Betson/The Irish Times
The service, which is operated by Dublin Bus, provides late night buses on weekend nights across 16 routes in the greater Dublin area. Photograph: Alan Betson/The Irish Times

The Nitelink bus service will recommence from next Friday, subject to a final Government decision on the further reopening of the economy, Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan has confirmed.

The service, which is operated by Dublin Bus, provides late night buses on weekend nights across 16 routes in the greater Dublin area.

It is due to recommence from October 22nd, when the majority of remaining Covid-19 restrictions are also due to lift. However, Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said in recent days he cannot give a guarantee that the next phase of reopening will commence due to rising case numbers and incidence rates.

Mr Ryan said the Nitelink bus service accommodates those who work shifts requiring travel at night or in the early morning and supports the night-time economy.

READ MORE

It will complement existing 24-hour services which are already currently in operation seven days a week across the 39a, 41 and 15 routes. Additional 24/7 services are planned as part of the BusConnects rollout, he added.

“While government still has to make a final decision on reopening after considering public health advice, we want to be ready to provide a service when the night-time economy reopens,” Mr Ryan said.

“The Nitelink bus service is in addition to a number of 24 hour services which are already operating seven days a week. As we continue the roll out of BusConnects Dublin, we will introduce further 24 hour services which will complement this existing overnight offering.”

Sarah Burns

Sarah Burns

Sarah Burns is a reporter for The Irish Times