Minister Patrick O'Donovan announces 'The One @ One' - a Night Time Economy Late-Night Pilot Bus Service in Sligo, Buncrana and Longford
New late-night services will operate at 1am over the May, June, August & October Bank Holiday weekends and on Culture Night
Press Release: Monday, 20 April 2026
The Minister for the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan T.D has today announced the launch of ‘The One @ One’, a new late-night transport pilot serving three rural Night-Time Economy locations Sligo, Buncrana and Longford. As rural Night-Time Economy pilot towns, all three locations have consistently identified access to safe, reliable late-night transport as one of the most significant barriers to nighttime participation. This pilot initiative aims to test tailored solutions designed specifically for smaller towns and dispersed rural communities.
Developed as a targeted response to research and extensive local consultation, ‘The One @ One’ will support safer, more accessible travel for residents and visitors while strengthening the vibrancy of the rural night-time economy. The pilot directly aligns with national policy commitments to improve inclusivity, safety and connectivity across Ireland’s rural towns during evening and night-time hours.
The service will operate on several busy weekends and key dates throughout the year, giving people more ways to travel safely after a night out. These trial periods will help partners understand demand, monitor usage, and shape future late-night transport options for rural communities across the country.
This pilot initiative is a partnership between the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, the National Transport Authority, and Local Link, delivered in collaboration with Longford County Council, Donegal County Council, Sligo County Council and Sligo BID.
Announcing the pilot initiative today, Minister Patrick O'Donovan said,“I’m very aware that rural areas can face greater challenges than larger urban centres, when it comes to transport and accessing night-time activities. That’s why I’m delighted to support the launch of this pilot initiative as part of the Night-Time Economyprogramme. It’s especially encouraging to see the strong collaboration between the three counties and their local authorities in working together to address shared needs.”
Speaking today, Ed Betagh, Local Link Programme Manager, National Transport Authority said,"NTA is a strong supporter of the Night-Time Economy and understands the importance of improving our public transport network to ensure our passengers can get home from work or from a night out with friends later in the evening. We are already investing in late night services in cities and towns across the country, and this pilot project will bring these benefits to even more people."
The 1am bus service will be operated by Local Link and will run on the following routes:
- Buncrana - Route 959: Buncrana to Greencastle via Carndonagh
- Sligo - Route 981: Markievicz Road to Rockfield
- Longford - Route 865: Longford Centre to Granard
The introduction of ‘The One @ One’ marks an important step in enhancing accessibility, safety and vibrancy within Ireland’s rural night-time economy. This pilot will help ensure that more people can enjoy what their towns have to offer confident that they have a safe way to get home at the end of the night.
Speaking about the initiative today, Paddy Mahon, Chief Executive, Longford County Council said,"This pilot is a very practical response to a real issue that people in Longford have raised time and again — getting home safely at night. The One @ One service supports our local night-time economy, gives people more confidence to go out locally, and reduces the need to rely on private cars. Longford County Council is pleased to work with our partners to test solutions that make our town safer, more accessible and more welcoming for everyone.”
The service will be provided for five Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, with the plan for data to be gathered and impact to be measured to inform future planning. The bus service will be operated by Local Link and will run on existing services listed below:
Service Routes:
- Buncrana - Route 959: Buncrana to Greencastle via Carndonagh
- Sligo - Route 981: Markievicz Road to Rockfield
- Longford - Route 865: Longford Centre to Granard
Pilot Dates:
- May Bank Holiday Weekend: Friday, 1st to Sunday, 3rd May
- June Bank Holiday: Friday, 29th - Sunday, 31st May
- August Bank Holiday: Friday, 31st July - Sunday, 2nd August
- October Bank Holiday: Friday, 23rd - Sunday, 25th October
- Culture Night: Friday, 18th September
