DUBLIN Bus has announced a major shake-up for bus routes as late night St Patrick’s Day festivities get underway.
The city centre bus operator has announced their late night weekend services will be doubled across the bank holiday.
They also say there will be enhanced services during St Patrick’s Day and on their 24-hour routes.
However, Dublin Bus is reminding passengers that diversions across Dublin city will be in place due to various parades.
Last year, 1.4 million people travelled through Dublin on Dublin Bus over the weekend, and the operator is expecting the figure to be higher this year.
Due to this, Dublin Bus is increasing its capacity this weekend.
On normal weekends, the Nitelink operates on Friday and Saturday nights until 4am.
This weekend, the Nitelink will also run on Sunday and Monday night, with fares starting at €1.30.
Dublin Bus is also expanding its late-night services on its usual 24-hour routes.
There will now be 12 24-hour routes, with extra buses at certain times to cater for demand.
A Sunday schedule will be in operation on St Patrick’s Day but extra buses will be added at peak times.
Dublin Bus spokesperson, Blake Boland, said that “it’s one of the biggest and busiest days of the year in Ireland, so we’re doing whatever we can to get people in and out of the city as efficiently as possible.
“But it’s not just St Patrick’s Day. People will be out socialising, and boosting our Nitelink and 24-hour services will help get people home late at night.”
PLAN JOURNEY ALERT
He has, however, warned that people socialising in the city centre should still plan their journey home accordingly.
He warned: “People need to plan their journey and give themselves plenty of time.
“There are over a dozen different parades planned for the various towns across our network that we serve, as well as the capital city.
“So many of our routes will be diverted for these parades.
“Which means that the on-street Real-time Passenger Information screens will not be used.
“But we do have details of these diversions up on our website for people to check.”
Ireland’s largest St Patrick’s Day parade is due to start in Dublin on Monday, March 17 at 12pm.
And we have outlined a full list of all the roads in the capital that will be closed due to the celebrations.
