Go-Ahead Ireland and National Transport Authority mark major investment in future of public transport with opening of Northwest Business Park Depot

Go-Ahead Ireland has announced the opening of its latest depot in Northwest Business Park, marking a significant joint investment by the National Transport Authority (NTA) and Go-Ahead Ireland in the continued expansion of public transport services across the Greater Dublin Area.

The new North Dublin facility, opened by Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien in partnership with the NTA, is representative of the trust placed in Go-Ahead Ireland to continue delivering safe, reliable, and accessible public transport services for communities across the growing network.

Since commencing operations in Ireland in 2018, Go-Ahead Ireland has grown to become a key part of the Transport for Ireland network, carrying tens of millions of passengers every year. The opening of Northwest Business Park provides the infrastructure, capacity, and resources required to support the next phases of growth.

Initially the depot will accommodate more than 180 colleagues and over 70 buses operating 14 routes and their variations across North Dublin, while enhancing operational resilience across the wider Go-Ahead Ireland network.

The depot will also support future rollout of the BusConnects Network Redesign, with Go-Ahead Ireland's network increasing from 30 ODMA routes to 66, resulting in a total network of 72 routes across the Greater Dublin Area.

As the newest and now one of the largest bus depots in Ireland, Northwest Business Park has been designed to accommodate future growth in services, fleet, and workforce numbers. The facility includes extensive engineering and maintenance infrastructure, modern open plan operational facilities, dedicated training and development spaces, and infrastructure that will support the future introduction of zero-emission buses.

The depot also strengthens Go-Ahead Ireland's ability to recruit, train, and develop their colleagues while providing the facilities necessary to support a growing workforce as public transport demand continues to increase.

Dervla McKay, Manging Director of Go-Ahead Ireland, said: “The opening of the Northwest Business Park depot is a significant milestone, not only for Go-Ahead Ireland but for public transport across the Greater Dublin Area. It demonstrates the National Transport Authority's confidence in Go-Ahead Ireland and the important role our teams play in delivering public transport services for the communities we serve every day.

“Since 2018, our colleagues have built a strong reputation for providing safe, reliable, and accessible services, and this new depot ensures we are well positioned to support the continued growth of the public transport network in the years ahead.

“I would like to thank the National Transport Authority, Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien, and, most importantly, our colleagues whose dedication and commitment have helped make this achievement possible.”

Ger Regan, Head of Public Transport Contracts, said: “Oh behalf of the National Transport Authority, I want to congratulate Go-Ahead Ireland on the opening of their new depot in Northwest Business Park, which represents its continued commitment to the passengers it serves in Greater Dublin Area.

“With the commencement of both new and enhanced bus services over the next few years, Go-Ahead Ireland will be strongly placed to manage the maintenance, roll-out, and continuity of public transport routes thanks to the facilities provided by the new depot.”

Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien, said: “I’m delighted to mark the opening of Go-Ahead Ireland’s new depot and to congratulate the entire Go-Ahead Ireland team on reaching this important milestone.

“This investment reflects Go-Ahead Ireland’s ongoing commitment to strengthening our public transport network. The dedication and hard work that have gone into delivering this state-of-the-art facility will help ensure the continued delivery of reliable services today while supporting future growth across the network.

“The new depot is a testament to the professionalism and commitment of the entire Go-Ahead Ireland team, and I wish them every success as they continue to expand and enhance public transport services.”