Almost 100 Bus Éireann services are set to be cut under sweeping changes to the company's routes next month.
15 towns and villages will be left without a direct link to the capital - in a move the service is blaming on low passenger numbers.
In an interview with the Irish Independent, chief executive Martin Nolan said Bus Éireann is losing thousands of euro everyday on routes with low passenger numbers.
The company is now making major changes - with 15 towns to be left without a direct link to Dublin from the end of next month.
The services affected will be on Route 7 to Cork via Kilkenny and Route 5 to Waterford via Wexford.
A third route - from Athlone to Westport - is also under threat.
Between all three route - some 198 services a day are provided. That will fall to 105 if the cuts go ahead.
The company says that if the Government wants rural services to be saved - it will need to provide a subsidy.
