New bus connecting Cork city centre and Knockraha to begin

A new bus route, the 31, will commence operation on Sunday, April 27, Bus Éireann have said.

The route will run from Knockraha to Parnell Pl Bus Station in the city centre, and serve Crestfield and Hazelwood shopping centres, Glanmire Business Park, Glanmire Community College, and John O’Callaghan Park.

In addition to serving local communities, the 31 will offer connections to Kent Station and Parnell Place. Customers can interchange at Kent Station to the 205 for trips to Cork University Hospital, University College Cork, and Munster Technical University.

Replacing the journeys previously provided on 214 to serve Knockraha, the service will offer increased frequency — running every 90 minutes with nine daily return trips, up from five previously. The service will operate seven days a week.

Aled Williams, the southern regional manager at Bus Éireann, said the route would make a huge difference to people living in those communities: “Bus Éireann is delighted to announce these service enhancements with the introduction of Route 31.

“Community is core to Bus Éireann’s purpose to sustainably connect people and communities to who and what matters to them, helping to make life better. These improvements will benefit engers travelling between Knockraha to Parnell Pl as well as those making onward connections by rail.”

Jeremy Ryan, director of public transport services at the National Transport Authority (NTA), added: “The introduction of Route 31 reflects the NTA’s continued commitment to improving public transport options for communities across the country.

“This new service will provide more frequent and reliable connections for people living and working in the Glanmire and Knockraha areas, making it easier to access education, employment, and essential services in Cork city.”