Wider network investment ensures frequent, affordable services for the communities Irish Citylink serves

Irish Citylink, part of the ComfortDelGro group, has announced that it has been granted approval by the National Transport Authority (NTA) to operate five additional daily services across two routes in its network. These enhancements will include three additional daily return services on the company’s Galway-Ballina route, and two additional daily return services on its Castlebar-Dublin/Dublin Airport route.

Irish Citylink operates as part of the ComfortDelGro group, one of the world’s largest multi-modal transport operators, with operations across 13 countries and a global network of over 55,000 vehicles. Irish Citylink is a leading provider of mass passenger transport in Ireland, connecting West of Ireland towns and regional centres with Galway city, Dublin city, and Dublin Airport.

New timetables to reflect the additional services will come into effect on Sunday 24th May 2026, with tickets available to book via the Irish Citylink website from Friday 22nd May 2026. The expanded timetable will provide greater frequency, flexibility and choice for commuters, students, Free Travel Pass holders and leisure travellers travelling between rural towns and regional centres.

Irish Citylink remains committed to investing in routes and services to ensure enhanced transport accessibility, delivering high quality, reliable services that support sustainable mobility, economic activity and balanced regional development.

Regional General Manager, Sarah Comer said “We are pleased to be expanding our services across the West of Ireland, strengthening connectivity and affordability for communities at a particularly important time. These additional services reflect growing demand for bus travel, as passengers seek practical, flexible alternatives amid rising travel costs.

“Irish Citylink is committed to improving transport accessibility and delivering high-quality services that support sustainable mobility, economic activity, tourism and balanced regional development. This investment in our routes reaffirms our commitment to keeping communities connected and ensuring passengers have safe, dependable and convenient travel options across Galway, and Mayo.”

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The new focus is on non-fuel sales with expanded Deli offering unveiled alongside new Zambrero, drive-through Burger King and expansion of the Dunnes Stores alliance.

Located at a prime position at the junction of the Naas, Long Mile and Nangor Roads, Maxol Long Mile Road already occupied a key arterial route between Dublin and Cork and Dublin and Limerick. Now, it has been completely transformed into a modern, sustainable roadside retail destination at the heart of the commuter belt.

“It took a number of months” said Thomas. “It was a total knock-down and rebuild from scratch. Following demolition, we were operating out of a portacabin for a few months. There’s basically nothing left of the old building.

“A lot of thought went into what is a really good project. I’ve done a couple of revamps with Maxol before, as I’ve been a dealer with Maxol for 16 years. This one was in the planning for a long time, but I’ve been happy with the whole process. There were a lot of people involved – with weekly site meetings and so on – but Maxol always has a great team to work with.”

€4.5 million redevelopment

The redevelopment of Maxol Long Mile Road, marks one of Maxol’s most significant single-site investments in recent years. It forms part of Maxol’s five-year, €175m investment strategy for growth, further strengthening the Irish forecourt and convenience retailer’s portfolio in Dublin.

The project involved the demolition of the former 340 sq. metre shop and the construction of a brand-new 547 sq. metre retail facility, significantly enhancing the customer experience and overall offering. The flagship store now features an expanded Maxol Deli, global Mexican restaurant Zambrero and a new Burger King restaurant complete with a drive-thru, as well as new digital ordering screens in-store for commuters and locals on the go.

In an extension of Maxol’s exclusive alliance with Dunnes Stores, Long Mile Road now offers premium meal solutions from the Simply Better and Dunnes Stores food range, as well as a range of premium wines.

The shop also includes 100 sq. metres of dedicated general retail space, Maxol’s signature coffee, ROSA Coffee, an off-licence, seating for 48 customers, ATM and modern washroom facilities.

“Basically, now it’s a food court that sells groceries. The food court is selling great quality food – we’ve added a lot to the range. The Fresh Food Team  at Maxol came up with the idea for Fresh Irish Breaded Chicken which is going down very well,” said Thomas.

“The whole Deli has been revitalised. Zambreros is particularly well received. Burgen King is trading well as always. There’s now massive sit-down areas, with both open areas and private booths for meetings. It’s all been really well thought through.

“The food complements the space – there’s also a really good offering across grocery with the new partnership with Dunnes Stores.

“It’s been really well received by customers – and staff are also delighted.

A first-class team

“We’re very lucky to have the staff we have. We kept some on the site in the temporary shop, while others were repositioned around the other stores – so that when we re-opened, we still had the same staff.

“We are all about our people – and customers were pleased to see that we have retained out staff.

“We re-opened on 19^th December – which was a great time to open a new shop. It was all hands on deck – but was very exciting and enjoyable. Staff loved being the centre of attention and it was lovely to see their sense of pride – they were really enjoying the moment.

“I’ve been 21 years working for myself and 30 years in retailing. It’s no big secret that if you look after your people and bring them on the journey with you, everyone benefits.

“All the staff were involved from the start. There was strong communication and everyone was excited about the whole project.

“Local customer and visitors are very impressed” said Thomas. “We had a group of overseas visitors in today and it was lovely to see how impressed they were.”

Dunnes Stores Offering

“We’ve not got a big Dunnes Stores offering – the Dunnes Partnership has been great. Both Maxol and Dunnes are two of Ireland’s great family  businesses. The whole experience of dealing with Dunnes has been great – they’re simplified the ordering process and are so easy to work with, so we have plans to do more to expand that relationship.

“We’ve also extended the off-licence with a full chilled wine and beer offering, which is going down well with customers too.”

Upgraded Forecourt

Upgrades have also been delivered on the forecourt to provide additional services including a state-of-the-art car wash and increased customer parking to improve traffic flow and customer convenience.

“Outside we’ve expanded and modernised the parking area, with a new modern car wash. We’ve upgraded all the pumps, added a new canopy – and EV charging points are a work in progress.”

A Maxol Milestone

“This redevelopment marks an exciting milestone for Maxol,” Brian Donaldson, CEO of The Maxol Group, said. “The new-and-improved Maxol Long Mile Road is a testament to the company’s commitment to investing in high-quality, future-focused roadside retail destinations.

“Maxol is committed to setting the standard in modern roadside retail. At Long Mile Road, we have focused heavily on enhancing our food offering, introducing new and expanded brands to serve customers at every time of day. From breakfast through to dinner, we provide high-quality food to go and a wide variety of options for every customer.

“The redeveloped site is indicative of Maxol’s repositioning as a leading convenience retailer, with food, coffee, grocery and car washing services driving growth, while ensuring our sites meet the changing needs of our loyal customers. Our Licensee Thomas Ennis and his team excel at delivering a brilliant customer experience and we wish him and his store team every success.”

Energy-efficient

Maxol’s latest sustainable forecourt design has been fully implemented at Long Mile Road, incorporating:

• CO₂ refrigeration with energy-efficient doors.
• High-performance glazing to reduce heat loss.
• Heat pump technology for low-carbon heating.
• LED lighting throughout.
• Rooftop solar panels with inverter system to offset energy demand.

These measures significantly reduce the site’s environmental footprint while lowering long-term energy consumption. The redevelopment comes as the surrounding area continues to evolve under the City Edge Project, a joint initiative between Dublin City Council and South Dublin County Council aimed at delivering up to 40,000 new homes and substantially increasing employment across the corridor.

Over the last decade, Maxol has invested more than €225 million in expanding and upgrading its service station network, including the acquisition of 23 freehold properties, the large-scale development of 25 sites and around 50 smaller projects.

The launch of the new Long Mile Road site was marked with a high-profile customer event – Lunch in the Bag. Delighted Maxol customers were treated to delicious food sampling from right across the in-store range, an FM104 live broadcast with Graham and Nathan and prizes galore.

Brand Loyalty

Thomas highlighted the positive relationship he has had with Maxol going back 16 years.

“I’m very loyal to Maxol, they have been with me every step of the way. We have a great relationship.”

Thomas now has twelve stores and four forecourts, since opening his first store on Merrion Row back in 2005.

Since then he has built the business up into what it is now – employing 320 people – with two more stores coming soon.

“I like to promote from within. Staff retention is very good. You can have all the best shops but without the right mix of people, it’s nothing. Staff are core to success.

“Everything in retailing – and particularly forecourt retailing – is changing. The consumer is more educated, and they want quality food. We can certainly stand over the quality of our food,” said Thomas.

“You have to keep looking out for what’s coming down the road –  but good quality food and exceptional service will always stay the same. You can dip into the trends – but people ultimately want good food, clean facilities, to feel safe and secure in bright surroundings, and to sit down and have good food.

“That’s where the future is – providing good quality food, in clean, bright, safe surroundings. That will always be on trend.”

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The Plaza Group has opened a new €20 million service station on the M18 to the east of Ennis, creating 120 jobs.

The Banner Plaza is at junction 14 on the motorway linking Galway and Limerick.

Darragh O’Brien, Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment and Minister for Transport, officially opened €20 million Banner Plaza at Junction 12 on the M18.

The official opening marked a major milestone for the Atlantic Corridor, with Banner Plaza now providing services on what had been a 100-kilometre stretch of motorway between Limerick and Galway without a service station.

Guests gathered at the new facility for the formal opening ceremony on November 7th, which celebrated both the scale of the investment and the significance of the development for motorists, commuters, tourism traffic and the wider region. The occasion also highlighted the local contribution behind the project, with many Clare-based contractors, suppliers and professional firms involved in bringing Banner Plaza from planning stage to completion.

The Plaza Group operates a number of motorway service stations around the country, including the famous Barack Obama Plaza.

Pat McDonagh owns the group, in addition to the Supermacs fast food chain.

He said, “This development finally brings services to what was effectively a 100km stretch of motorway without a proper service facility.

“We are also very proud that this project has created 120 jobs and involved many local contractors and professional firms in Clare and the wider region.

“For many years, motorists travelling between Limerick and Galway had limited opportunities to safely stop, rest and refuel. Banner Plaza now fills that gap with a modern facility designed to serve the needs of road users, families, hauliers, tourists and local communities.

“We are also very proud that this development has created 120 jobs and that many local contractors, suppliers and professional firms from Clare and the surrounding area played such an important role in delivering it.”

Alongside petrol and diesel pumps, the service stations also has eight “super-fast” EV charging points and a large food court.

“It was a pleasure to officially open Banner Plaza today and to mark such a significant investment in infrastructure along the Atlantic Corridor,” said Minister Darragh O’Brien.

“This is an important development for the many people who travel this route every day. It provides a safe, modern and convenient place to stop and take a break, while also representing a strong vote of confidence in regional growth and investment.

“The creation of 120 jobs and the scale of the investment here also underline the important role private enterprise can play in supporting national infrastructure and regional development.”

The Banner County

The Banner Plaza, located on the M18 Motorway at Junction 12 in Ennis, Co. Clare, is the newest addition to The Plaza Group. Taking its name from Clare’s proud nickname, “The Banner County,” this modern service station celebrates local heritage while offering everything travellers need in one convenient stop.

The plaza features a vibrant food court with Supermac’s, Papa John’s Pizza, Mac’s Place Deli, Moo Parlour, Supersubs, Mama Rich’s Asian Cuisine, and a Brú Barista Coffee counter, all complemented by a spacious and comfortable seating area.

Visitors will also find a Spar convenience store and Texaco fuel pumps, open daily from 6am to 12am, with a 24-hour service hatch for added convenience. The plaza also provides EV charging points for electric vehicles, along with dedicated parking for trucks and buses.

The Banner Plaza Opens at Junction 12 on the M18

The Plaza Group officially opens its newest motorway service area at Junction 12 on the M18 near Ennis, Co. Clare on Friday, 7 November 2025

The Banner Plaza combines a wide range of trusted Irish and local food brands under one roof, including Supermac’s, Papa John’s, SuperSubs, Mac’s Place Deli, BRÚ – an exciting new premium barista coffee and a modern convenience offer. The site also features EV charging bays, ample parking for cars and HGVs, and bright, comfortable seating areas designed for families, commuters and professional drivers alike.

Among the new additions to the Plaza Group’s food offering is Mama Rich, a family-owned Asian restaurant originally established in Woodquay, Galway, and operated by Rebecca and Kevin Tan. The inclusion of Mama Rich reflects the Group’s commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs and offering customers a diverse range of dining options.

Pat McDonagh, Managing Director of The Plaza Group, said that the opening of the Banner Plaza marks an important milestone for both the company and the Clare region.

“The Banner Plaza represents choice, convenience and quality for everyone using the M18 and for the local community here in Clare. We’re proud to have worked with local partners and suppliers to deliver a facility that will serve the travelling public and support local employment for many years to come.”

The Plaza has been designed with clean, modern facilities, spacious seating and easy access off the motorway. It will also host a range of community initiatives and fundraising events throughout the year, in keeping with The Plaza Group’s ongoing commitment to supporting local clubs, charities and schools.

• Facilities at Banner Plaza include:
• Supermac’s, Papa John’s, SuperSubs, Mac’s Place Deli and Mama Rich Asian Kitchen
• BRÚ Premium coffee and convenience retail
• EV charging bays and full-service fuel forecourt
• Ample car, coach and HGV parking
• Accessible and family-friendly facilities

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SPAR and EUROSPAR have announced a significant evolution of their Official Retail Partnership with The Olympic Federation of Ireland and Paralympics Ireland. This exciting development proudly introduces a stellar lineup of new SPAR and EUROSPAR Ambassadors, including Olympic gold medallist rower Fintan McCarthy, Irish heptathlon and indoor pentathlon sensation Kate O’Connor, Paralympic medallist swimmer Róisín Ní Riain, and Table Tennis Paralympian Colin Judge. As Team Ireland intensifies its preparations for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, SPAR and EUROSPAR are also proud to launch the SPAR and EUROSPAR Community Fund 2026, reinforcing their commitment to supporting Irish sport from the grassroots up.

With a strong heritage of giving back to local communities, the SPAR and EUROSPAR Community Fund will see a substantial €60,000 awarded to 30 sports clubs across the country. This initiative is designed to empower local clubs, helping them to nurture future talent and provide vital facilities and support within their communities.

Clubs nationwide are invited to apply for the Community Fund 2026 by submitting a short application showcasing how their club is truly ‘Hungry For Success’ – demonstrating their passion, commitment, and vision for growth. Entries are now open and will close on Wednesday, July 8^th. Following the judging period, successful clubs will be notified, and winners will be invited to a special event across July and August to receive their prize.

The launch of the Community Fund is supported by a stellar lineup of Team Ireland heroes, who will serve as SPAR and EUROSPAR Ambassadors: double Olympic Champion rower Fintan McCarthy, Irish heptathlon and indoor pentathlon record breaker Kate O’Connor, two-time Paralympic swimming medallist Róisín Ní Riain, and two-time Paralympian and former European Para Table Tennis Champion Colin Judge. These athletes embody the dedication and community spirit that the fund aims to foster.

This partnership builds on SPAR and EUROSPAR’s extensive heritage of supporting local and elite sports, which includes sponsoring the European Athletics Championships since 1996, supporting more than 80 competitions, and consistently promoting healthy living through sport and a balanced diet. SPAR and EUROSPAR have a long-standing track record of serving local Irish communities since the first store opened in 1963, giving back and investing significantly in community and charity programmes to support local causes, community clubs and groups.

John Moane, Group Chief Executive, BWG Group (owners and operators of the SPAR and EUROSPAR brands) said: “We are incredibly proud to see our partnership with Team Ireland evolve and strengthen in 2026. We are also absolutely delighted to welcome Fintan, Kate, Róisín, and Colin onboard as SPAR and EUROSPAR Ambassadors, and look forward to them helping to inspire clubs nationwide. The launch of the SPAR and EUROSPAR Community Fund 2026 truly embodies our belief in the power of sport at all levels. Through this fund, offering €60,000 to 30 deserving sports clubs nationwide, we are directly investing in the future of Irish sport, fostering grassroots talent, and building stronger, healthier communities right across the country. Our retailers, who are at the heart of communities across Ireland, are excited to rally behind this initiative and encourage local clubs to show us how they are ‘Hungry For Success’.”

Peter Sherrard, CEO, Olympic Federation of Ireland said: “The Olympic Federation of Ireland is delighted to continue our journey with SPAR and EUROSPAR as Official Retail Partners. The expansion of our partnership to include the SPAR and EUROSPAR Community Fund 2026 is a fantastic demonstration of their commitment to Irish sport. This initiative provides support directly to the grassroots clubs that form the bedrock of our sporting pipeline, nurturing the next generation of athletes who aspire to represent Ireland on the world stage. It truly underlines the collective effort required as our athletes build towards the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.”

Stephen McNamara, CEO, Paralympics Ireland said: “Paralympics Ireland is thrilled to see the expansion of our partnership with SPAR and EUROSPAR and the introduction of the Community Fund 2026. This initiative is a game-changer for sports clubs across the country, providing vital resources to help them grow and develop. The fund’s focus on empowering clubs aligns perfectly with our mission to enable more people with disabilities to participate in sport, fostering an inclusive environment. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this partnership will have on future Paralympians as we set our sights firmly on Los Angeles in 2028.”

Kate O’Connor, Irish heptathlon and indoor pentathlon and SPAR and EUROSPAR Ambassador, said: “I’m thrilled to be involved in launching the SPAR and EUROSPAR Community Fund. My own journey started in local clubs, and I understand the immense dedication of coaches and volunteers, and the need for proper facilities and equipment to help athletes thrive. This fund will be a huge boost for 30 clubs, helping them to cultivate talent and encourage that ‘Hungry For Success’ mentality from a young age. It’s fantastic to see SPAR and EUROSPAR investing directly back into the communities that nurture our future sporting stars.”

Róisín Ní Riain, two-time Paralympic swimming medallist and SPAR and EUROSPAR Ambassador, said: “As an athlete, I know first-hand how vital local clubs are in providing opportunities, coaching, and a supportive environment. The SPAR and EUROSPAR Community Fund 2026 is an incredible initiative that will directly benefit clubs across the country. This investment means more young people will have the chance to develop their talents and feel that sense of belonging and ambition that sport brings. I’m so proud to be an Ambassador for a fund that truly makes a difference at the grassroots level.”

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Speaking at the event, Liam Denning, newly appointed President of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry, commented, “I am truly honoured to accept the role and do so with pride and responsibility. I look forward to representing our members and working closely with the SIMI in the coming year.” 

The SIMI President remarked on the pressures facing the industry – rising costs, staff attraction and retention, keeping abreast of technology – all within a challenging global environment. While acknowledging that electrification was now centre stage, and the whole industry has had to rapidly evolve to keep pace with the changing technology, through continuous training, upskilling, and equipment. 

Liam Denning, SIMI President, stated, “Despite positive market developments, the transition to electrification is only starting to gain traction. Currently, the national average vehicle age is over 10 years old, meaning the equity gap that allows consumers to trade up to a new or newer car is widening. If the EV project is to succeed, it must be supported through continued investment. This means investment in the national charging infrastructure, and continued support for consumers and businesses to encourage the change to electric.”

Additionally, the President outlined the importance of investment in people. “For companies and family businesses to thrive, we must attract and develop skilled workers for all sectors. Apprenticeship training is a key focus of the SIMI Management Board, and we will continue to support every effort to attract apprentices, offering young people a career in a high‑tech industry with great opportunities and promising futures”.

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