A new pilot initiative aimed at improving transport access to the Maharees peninsula and reducing seasonal traffic congestion will be rolled out this summer, as part of the European SMART Coast project.
The SMART Coast summer shuttle bus will operate over four peak-season weekends, providing a convenient and
sustainable transport option for visitors and locals alike. The subsidised
service will run on:
- July 18–19
- July 25–26
- August 1–3
- August 8–9
The shuttle will serve key locations including Fahamore (Spillane’s Carpark), Kilshannig (near the graveyard), and Béal Geal (Blue Flag beach car park). It will also connect with the Local Link Route 273 service at Castlegregory, improving regional public transport connectivity.
The initiative is expected to significantly reduce the volume of traffic on the Maharees road during busy summer periods,
contributing to safer roads and a more sustainable visitor experience. It also offers day visitors from nearby towns an alternative to driving to the popular coastal destination.
Mícheál O’Leary, Chair of the Maharees Conservation Association, welcomed the initiative:
“We all know the Maharees road is very busy during peak season. We welcome this initiative as a way of reducing traffic and
making our roads safer on these key summer weekends. We’re delighted to be part of the Interreg SMART Coast project with MTU, Kerry County Council and Fáilte Ireland, and to learn from pilot projects in other coastal areas across the Atlantic region. This pilot shuttle bus gives us a great opportunity to demonstrate the demand for improved bus connectivity in Maharees, and we urge both
residents and visitors to support it by getting on board.”
Dr Aisling Ward, SMART Coast Project Lead, Munster Technological University said:
“MTU, as partners in the SMART Coast project, are delighted to be working with the Maharees Conservation Association, Kerry County Council and Failte Ireland on this pilot imitative to help improve the quality of life of locals during the peak summer season and
also enhance the visitor experience. Ultimately seeking to improve the overall environmental impact on this sensitive ecological area. The results of this pilot will provide a blueprint for other regions to replicate across Ireland and the Atlantic Area.”
Fiona Scott-Hayward, Research Project Manager with the Circular Economy for Regenerative Tourism (CERT) research group at Munster Technological University said:
“MTU are delighted to collaborate with associate partners Maharees Conservation Association, Kerry County Council and Fáilte Ireland on a series of actions to address sustainable visitor management in the Maharees on the Dingle Peninsula as part of the SMART Coast project. This pilot shuttle bus provides a much-needed option for both residents and visitors to the Maharees and we look forward to hearing feedback from users this summer on the pilot service”.
