NTA to support Mullingar bus service for fleadh

The National Transport Authority has given a commitment to Minister of State Peter Burke that it will support a shuttle bus service during Fleadh Cheoil 2022.

Minister Peter Burke said: “I contacted the NTA last month to see if they would offer their resources to provide a bus serviced during the fleadh, when we will have tens of thousands of visitors to the town.”

The minister said that while many people will drive, there will need to be transport from the car parks to the camp site, particularly for those who cannot walk long distances.

Residents will also be able to use the service throughout the fleadh, he said.

“I am delighted that the NTA have confirmed to me by email that they are in touch with our Local Link Office to work on a plan to operate a service around Mullingar during Fleadh Cheoil 2022. Final details of the services are still being worked out, but the NTA will financially support this provision.

“People will be familiar with our Local Link service, which provides a lifeline for many locals and I am glad to see they will be supported financially in providing this service.

“This is more positive news for the fleadh as the countdown is now on. I am also working on other sources of funding due to the increase in costs and I am hopeful that there will be significant further investment announced in the coming weeks so that the government and state match the generosity of the Mullingar community and we can reap the full benefit of the numbers expected in the town.

“Our hospitality and service industry are in need of this boost to trade so we need to realise the full potential of the fleadh.

“The committee continue to work day and night on the preparations and they must be commended for this work, which has been ongoing now for a number of years, including some false starts during Covid.”