Dingle Peninsula in the west of Ireland is an area steeped in history, known as one of the few remaining Gaelic-speaking regions, and boasting a rich cultural heritage. It is a prominent tourist destination, witnessing seasonal influxes, and features numerous second homes and holiday residences. Positioned towards the end of the peninsula, Dingle town sits approximately 50 km from Tralee, the county town. Tralee serves as the hub for essential services and is the primary road and rail connection to the rest of the country. The region is heavily reliant on cars for access to it , with adverse effects on the environment and local amenities. This overreliance on private vehicles limits the mobility options for both residents and visitors, who may prefer an alternative means of transport upon arrival.

The ‘Visit the Dingle Peninsula without the Car’ initiative significantly strengthened public transport services in 2022. It entailed substantial reinforcement of Bus Eireann bus services from the rail/bus terminal in Tralee and destined for Dingle. Simultaneously, bus services operating between Dingle and the main rural areas, facilitated by Local Link Kerry, saw a considerable increase in frequency from sporadic weekly trips to eight every day. Strategic placement of stops and synchronised schedules ensured seamless integration, enhancing the accessibility and convenience of public transport throughout the region. In December 2023 there were further improvements, with the introduction of new routes and additional departures.

Complementary to this, another activity launched by the Dingle Hub in July 2023 in partnership with Kerry County Council, the Pathfinder project, includes various mobility actions aimed at enhancing public transport offerings and promoting more sustainable personal transportation methods. These encompass a diverse range of options, such as cycling, walking, car-pooling and car-sharing. Additionally, the project aims to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles (e-vehicles), integrating two electric buses, installing charging points, and promoting the use of e-cars and e-bikes. Complementary efforts within this project involve strategic marketing and communication campaigns, aimed at raising awareness about the emissions reduction impacts associated with daily travel choices. There is also a focus on bolstering human and financial resources dedicated to mobility solutions, coupled with an extensive evaluation process to gauge the effectiveness of these measures.

The Pathfinder project, led by the community-based Dingle Hub, leverages its deep local roots to develop innovative and sustainable solutions. Drawing from existing community relationships and complementary initiatives, this approach is more effective in generating a positive impact within the community.

The success of the ‘Visit the Dingle Peninsula without the Car’ initiative taps into a long-suppressed demand, particularly due to the reduction in rural public transport services over the years. Beyond the tourist market, there is interest among the younger population who exhibit less inclination to own and use cars. The Dingle-Tralee service has become notably more practical for various journeys, with its capacity now doubled. Furthermore, the local service extending west of Dingle covers areas of exceptional natural beauty that are home to numerous rural inhabitants. The provision of a consistent daily service facilitates a wide array of commutes, essential trips, leisure activities and tourism excursions in both directions. The strategic co-location of these two services in Dingle, situated in a prominent location, significantly contributes to their success.