Go-Ahead Ireland has introduced three new Enviro200 single decks from Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL), demonstrating its determination to play a key role in the National Transport Authority’s strategy to accelerate the introduction of low emission, easy access buses, and to expand public transport services across the country.

The move follows Go-Ahead’s success in winning the contract to provide services on the newly created Route 197, running from Swords and Ashbourne to Dublin, taking in Rathbeale, Rolestown and Nine Milestone en route.

Chris Stringer, Head of Engineering at Go-Ahead Ireland, confirmed that the ability to respond urgently in terms of vehicle supply, and to satisfy the exacting demands for low entry, environment friendly buses, had played a crucial role in securing the new business. He commented: “The NTA wanted this up and running as quickly as possible and within weeks ADL had three brand new, 10.8m, 41-seat vehicles modified to our requirements, shipped, registered and ready for service. The Enviro200’s reputation is second to none in terms of style, accessibility, emissions technology, safety features and maneuverability but it is also a workhorse. That’s essential on this route, which will provide 17 daily return services Monday to Saturday, inclusive, and another 14 on a Sunday. In short, the Enviro200 is a perfect fit for this job and the result is a win-win situation for everyone, Go-Ahead, ADL and the NTA. We are delighted with the outcome.”

Martin Brailey, Regional Sales Director at ADL commented: “Our job is to back our customers to the hilt and if that means turning things around quickly then that’s exactly what we’ll do. They can be assured that we’ll also support them in the long-run with unrivalled parts and service support. Ireland is clearly revitalising public transport in a dramatic way, notably in rural areas and town-to-city services, and we aim to support operators and the transport authorities relentlessly.”