Greater Local Link Demand Drives New 183 and 895 Bus Route Services For Wicklow Users

Significant TFI Local Link improvements have been made in Wicklow, including the doubling of frequency on the Arklow-Glendalough route (Route 183) and the launch of a new connecting route (895) between Glendalough and Sallins.

The National Transport Authority and TFI Local Link in Wicklow, will see the the introduction of a major  enhancements for passengers travelling between Kildare and Wicklow from today. (Thursday, 4 December.)

Route 183 will now operate between Arklow and Glendalough, serving Avoca, Rathdrum, Rathnew, Wicklow, Roundwood, and Laragh.

The service will almost double in frequency, with seven to eight departures each day from Monday to Sunday, providing more travel options throughout the day.

Routing within Wicklow has been redesigned to operate as a town service. Passengers will also benefit from improved connections to regional public transport, including a morning peak link into Arklow.

To maintain connectivity beyond Glendalough, a new Route 895 will run between Glendalough and Sallins via Blessington, offering four return trips daily.

Timed connections between Routes 183 and 895 at Glendalough will ensure seamless onward travel for passengers continuing their journey.

The enhanced services will support commuters, visitors, and local communities, making sustainable travel more accessible and reliable than ever.

Passenger demand for Route 183 has grown significantly with almost 55,000 journeys recorded so far this year, marking a four-fold increase since the previous enhancement in 2022. This growth highlights the success of investment in rural connectivity and the strong demand for improved public transport.

For full details on Routes 183 and 895, visit:

https://www.locallinkckw.ie

Speaking on the enhancements, Manager for TFI Local Link Carlow Kilkenny Wicklow Barry Doyle told East Coast FM:

“TFI Local Link Carlow Kilkenny Wicklow are delighted with the enhancement to the very successful 183 service with the addition of an extra bus on the Arklow to Glendalough- Glendalough to Arklow 183 route and the new connecting Ireland service 895 from Sallins to Glendalough.

“These new additions to the service will be of great benefit to the people of county Wicklow, with more frequency on the route and as part of the connecting Ireland plan bring more transport options for those who live in rural areas.

''These enhancements form part of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, a major national public transport initiative developed and funded by the NTA as part of the Transport for Ireland (TFI) network.

''We're always looking at services and trying to enhance them in any way that we can, obviously given the funding requirements to actually enhance these services and that's why this one in particular is a very strong service.  

''It's been there now for the last four years and obviously the demand then of people using that service is quite extensive. So therefore, that's why the enhancements are coming on stream. It was the longest local link service in the country, running from Arklow through to Sallins, but this is  going to give more options to people, more options for people ''o travel, especially in Wicklow town, so like a little mini service within the town as well. So that's going to be great all around.''