National: Blow for passengers as end of airport bus service announced

Bus operator Aircoach has confirmed that it is cancelling its service between Galway and Dublin from next month.

The service run by the private coach and bus operator also served Athlone. 

A statement from the company said Aircoach intends to exit the route, effective from 8 April.

"The termination of the 706/706X route will include the terminus point at Galway Coach Station and all intermediary stops between Galway and Dublin Airport," the company said.

It added: "Aircoach extended its route network when it launched the 706/X route in July 2021. However, the route as it exists today has not proven to be commercially viable.

"Aircoach is deeply committed to providing an All-Ireland transport connection and therefore fully expects to return to the West of Ireland".

Aircoach Managing Director Kim Swan said: "It is with regret that we intend to exit the Dublin to Galway route in its current form. We are committed to providing a passenger transport service into the West of Ireland and are exploring customer focused and commercially viable opportunities to facilitate this.

"In the meantime, we wish to express our gratitude to all our valued customers, dedicated employees and relevant stakeholders who enable the daily functioning of this route".

This is the end of another service for passengers from the west and midlands to Dublin Airport. 

Bus Éireann announced in September 2020, that the 20/X20 route between Galway and Dublin would be discontinued from July 2021.

Around that time the NTA granted a licence for the Aircoach 706/706X commercial service which has been running since July 2021, with 10 departures each way, seven days a week.

The only multi-stop service for Galway-Ballinasloe-Athlone-Dublin-Dublin Airport remaining will be the Citylink Route 763.