Plans outlined to improve Mayo access to Galway city

Mayo TD Alan Dillon has been furnished with an update on proposals being considered by the Department of Transport to improve access from south Mayo into Galway city.

Minister Eamon Ryan stated there are two important initiatives currently underway.

Firstly, there is the National Transport Authority’s Connecting Ireland - Rural Mobility Plan which has recently concluded its public consultation phase.

The draft plan, as published, proposes improved bus services from both Ballina and Castlebar serving South Mayo and onward to Galway city.

Secondly, the minister stated, there is the Strategic Rail Review, which is being undertaken in co-operation with the Department for Infrastructure (Northern Ireland), will inform the development of the railway sector on the Island of Ireland over the coming decades.

The review will consider the potential scope for improved rail services along the various existing, or future potential, corridors of the network.

That scope will also include the potential afforded by disused and closed lines such as the Western Rail Corridor.

Public consultation on the Review is currently open until January 21, 2022.