Dublin is getting a third 24-hour bus route just in time for Christmas.

The 39a from Belfield to Ongar will operate around the clock from Sunday December 13th.

Dublin Bus CEO Ray Coyne informed local TDs about the plan in an email this morning.

He said there will be increased services on the route throughout the day with on bus running every half hour between 11:30pm and 5am.

As result the 39n Nitelink service is being withdrawn, with other Nitelink services altered to include communities covered by the 39n but not the 39a.

“The introduction of 24-hour services on Route 39a is a significant opportunity to continue the growth and success of Dublin Bus, and is also an important step forward for the city,” Mr Coyne wrote in the email, seen by Newstalk.

“24-hour bus services are key to helping everyone travel quickly and safely at night and vital to unlocking the full potential of our night-time economy as we seek to emerge from this public health crisis.”

Meanwhile, the £9 route is getting five more departures per week with more departures running the full length of the routes instead of ending in the city centre.

Mr Coyne said the plan would see 80 more bus drivers and mechanics employed at Dublin Bus.

In a statement, Dublin Bus said it would be making an announcement this week.

Reporting from Stephen Bourke