Fresh twist to proposal to reopen Mayo railway station

Irish Rail has responded to calls by elected members of Castlebar Municipal District to reopen Balla Railway Station which has been closed to passengers since 1963.

Jim Meade, chief executive of the company, said the responsibility for developing the transport strategy in the Balla area "lies with Mayo County Council."

He continued: “Should the council wish to establish the potential for reopening Balla, it will be necessary for the council to arrange for the production of the required business case.

“Irish Rail would support the council in its preparation of the case with access to technical expertise in the planning, design and operation of a station.

“However, we would note at this time that population is relatively low, and of low density, which would impact any business case and that in the latest draft of the Mayo County Development Plan 2021-2027, there is no objective to support a new railway station in Balla.”

Councillor Cyril Burke, who is leading the campaign, described the response as 'amazing'.

Councillor Michael Kilcoyne said it is time Mayo's Oireachtas members took up the challenge to force Irish Rail's hand on the matter.