Ballyconnell Left Behind as Bus Éireann Increases Cross-Border Services

Bus Éireann’s latest Route 30 timetable changes, set to take effect January 26th, have raised concerns in Ballyconnell as the state-subsidized transport company increases service frequency to Northern Irish towns while continuing to bypass our community.

The national bus operator’s announcement reveals that towns like Beleek, Bellanaleck, and Derrylin will see service frequency improve from every three hours to hourly departures. Meanwhile, Ballyconnell residents, who contribute to the state funding that supports these services through their taxes, remain without direct access to the route.

The changes, which Bus Éireann describes as service improvements, will see all 26 daily services operating under the Route 30 pattern. According to the announcement, passengers will benefit from “more frequent and punctual travel,” including a new 10-minute comfort break in Cavan.

Head of Expressway Andrew Yates stated that “The upcoming Route 30 timetable changes are designed to improve service punctuality, enhance customer experience, and increase service frequency for communities along the route.”

However, these enhancements appear to primarily benefit cross-border communities, while taxpaying residents in Ballyconnell continue to face challenges accessing our national bus service. The changes also include the discontinuation of the X30 route pattern, with Butlersbridge no longer being served.

The new schedule introduces separate timetables for Monday-Friday service and Weekend/Public Holiday service, which Bus Éireann says will better accommodate varying traffic conditions throughout the day.

As these changes approach, questions remain about the equitable distribution of our state-funded transport services and the impact on communities currently excluded from the route network.