DUBLIN IS SET to get its first 24-hour bus route by the end of the year, the National Tranpsort Authority confirmed today. 

The 41 route, which runs between Swords and Dublin City Centre via Dublin Airport, is expected to become the capital’s first round-the-clock service.

Last year, TheJournal.ie reported that Dublin Bus had plans to roll out a 24-hour service on a number of routes in the greater Dublin area.

In January, this website reported that that NTA was actively considering introducing the service as part of a major expansion programme of Dublin Bus services.

NTA CEO Anne Graham confirmed to the Sunday Independent today that the 41 route from Swords would become the first Dublin route to run a 24-hour service. 

The move follows the introduction of a new 24-hour service on Bus Éireann Route 220 between Ballincollig and Carrigaline in Cork earlier this year. 

Richard Guiney, CEO of DublinTown, welcomed the NTA’s proposal but said it “doesn’t go far enough”.

Dublin needs four to six 24-hour routes if it is to thrive.

Guiney has said that people working in late-night industries like restaurants and bars need proper provision for affordable transport home. 

“Any sector whose staff finish work late at night is dependent on transport, so it is vital to have a proper strategy in place if we are to have a thriving night-time economy.”

Graham has said the NTA plans to introduce further 24-hour bus routes for the capital in the future.