O’Shea Calls on NTA and Irish Rail to Prioritise Improved Bus and Rail Services Between Cork, Mallow and Tralee

Cork North West Fine Gael TD Deputy John Paul O’Shea has today called on the National Transport Authority (NTA) and Irish Rail to accelerate plans to enhance public transport services on the Cork–Mallow–Tralee corridor, stressing the urgent need for more frequent rail services, earlier morning connections, and later evening options for communities along the line.

Deputy O’Shea’s renewed call follows an NTA response to a recent Parliamentary Question, in which the Authority outlined its long-term aspiration for an hourly public transport frequency on the Cork–Tralee corridor. This is expected to be delivered through a combination of rail and bus services, with the potential over time to move to an hourly rail service throughout the day.

“While I welcome the NTA’s ambition for improved connectivity between Cork and Tralee, communities in Banteer, Millstreet, Rathmore and the wider North West Cork area need real, tangible improvements now—not years down the line,” Deputy O’Shea stated.

Urgent Need for Enhanced Rail Frequency

Deputy O’Shea emphasised the importance of increasing the number of daily train services between Mallow and Tralee, which serve several key towns and villages in both Cork and Kerry. “These stations are essential to workers, students, older people and families. The current timetable simply does not reflect modern commuter patterns. An increase in frequency is not just desirable—it is essential for the sustainability and development of these communities.”

Early Morning Services for Workers and Students

Deputy O’Shea also highlighted the lack of early morning services, which continues to present significant challenges for people travelling for work or college. “We need earlier departures from Tralee and Mallow to ensure that workers and students can get to Cork, Kerry or other onward destinations on time. This is a basic requirement for a functioning public transport network.”

Later Evening Connections to Support Social and Economic Life

Equally, the Deputy stressed the need for later evening return services from Tralee to Mallow. “A later evening train or additional bus services would greatly support social activity, sporting fixtures, cultural events and family life. At present, people living in Banteer, Millstreet, Rathmore and neighbouring areas are cut off in the evenings due to inadequate return options.”

Call for NTA and Irish Rail to Act Now

While acknowledging that additional rolling stock and planning work will be required—as noted by the NTA—Deputy O’Shea insisted that interim measures must be introduced without delay. “The NTA has stated its intentions clearly. Now we need implementation. Communities cannot wait for the long-term redeployment of fleet following the arrival of new DART carriages in Dublin. I am urging both the NTA and Irish Rail to prioritise this corridor immediately and deliver meaningful improvements in the short term.”

“North & Mid Cork and the adjoining Kerry communities deserve a reliable, frequent and modern public transport network. Enhancing services on this line is not just a transport issue—it is vital for education, employment, regional balance and quality of life”, concluded Deputy O’Shea.