Under the proposals within the Galway bus network redesign report, the level of bus services in Galway city, Bearna, and Oranmore will increase by nearly 50%.

The new 24-hour bus service, to be known as Route 9, would operate from Knocknacarra through the city centre to Doughiska and Parkmore. Three proposed routes would operate every 15 minutes or better. In addition, some routes would run longer in the morning and at night.

The proposals will also result in more residents of the city and its suburbs having access to the public transport network with Upper Ballymoneen Road, the Coast Road between Galway City and Oranmore and Oranhill among the areas to benefit. More people would be located within 400 metres walk of a bus stop, 67% up from 62% currently.

The routes in the draft new bus network would serve the city centre with more routes running cross-city, and the main point of interchange located at Eyre Square.

Fares will be simplified in a way that will make interchange seamless. Customers will not have to pay extra to change between urban bus services within that 90-minute period.

Hugh Creegan, Deputy CEO of the NTA, said: “As an economic, academic and cultural hub, Galway is one of Ireland’s most rapidly developing cities. With the city’s population set to grow by 40,000 by 2040, it is vital that Galway has a public transport network that connect communities across the city and surrounding areas.

“By giving the people of Galway a viable alternative to the car, we can encourage the shift towards more sustainable transport modes. With a new 24-hour bus route and a large increase in bus services in the city as well as Bearna and Oranmore, we can connect communities and help create a more sustainable city.”