Fiona Scott Hayward from MTU with Martha Farrell of MTU and the Maharees Conservation Association.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 international 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 and 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).
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It will also connect with the Local Link Route 273 service at Castlegregory, improving regional public transport connectivity. (see the timetable below)
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.”
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.”
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.”
The shuttle pilot forms part of the SMART Coast project, an Interreg Atlantic Area-funded initiative focused on promoting sustainable tourism in coastal regions.
The project brings together partners from Ireland, Spain, Portugal, and France, including local authorities, higher education institutions, tourism bodies, and community organisations.
By using data-driven approaches and collaborative planning, SMART Coast seeks to develop practical, replicable solutions for managing visitor flows while protecting natural heritage and addressing climate-related pressures.
Maharees has been selected as the Irish pilot site, with project partners including Munster Technological University (MTU), Fáilte Ireland, Kerry County Council, and the Maharees Conservation Association working together to design and test innovative approaches such as the summer shuttle service.
For more information, check out: https://www.mahareesconservation.com/maharees-conservation-association-news-biodiversity-sand-dune-management/40-maharees-smart-coast-shuttle-bus.html
