Additional rail services proposed for Mayo
EXTRA rail services for Co. Mayo and the extension of a morning Athlone to Galway service to start from Tullamore are the highlights of a proposed new Iarnród Éireann rail timetable for the west of Ireland.
The rail company, in conjunction with the National Transport Authority, is planning to implement timetable alterations from December 11.
The company has published details of the proposed schedule and has invited the public to submit feedback in advance of the finalisation of the new timetable.
Key elements of the proposed new timetables in the west are:
•A new 07:08 Athlone/Westport service Monday to Friday providing a service for regional commuters along the line.
•A new 05:05 service from Ballina to Manulla which will connect with the advanced 05:15 Westport/Heuston service Monday to Friday.
•The 07:30 Athlone/Galway service will now commence from Tullamore at 06:50 on Monday to Friday, and additionally serve Clara.
•A number of other minor schedule alterations to improve punctuality.
The consultation survey is open until Sunday, October 2. Full draft timetables are available here for review and feedback at: https://www.irishrail.ie/en-ie/news/Proposed-timetable-changes-from-11th-December-2022.
Iarnród Éireann and the NTA will review all suggestions received. Suggested alterations which cannot be implemented at this timetable change will be retained in a database for consideration at future timetable reviews.
Minister of State Dara Calleary has welcomed confirmation that additional rail services for Ballina and Mayo are included in a proposed new Iarnród Éireann rail timetable for the West of Ireland.
“This is very positive news for Ballina and North Mayo in particular,” said Minister Calleary.
“Iarnród Éireann, in conjunction with the National Transport Authority, is planning to implement timetable alterations from December 11 and are now seeking the public’s views of their proposals.
"I am especially pleased that a new 5.05am service from Ballina to Manulla which will connect with the advanced 5.15 a.m. Westport to Heuston service Monday to Friday is included.
"This is something that I have long fought for and will be a huge benefit to passengers from Ballina and North Mayo, particularly those travelling to Dublin for early morning business and hospital appointments.”
Detail of proposed changes Dublin / Westport / Ballina:
•New 05:05 service from Ballina to Manulla which will connect with an advanced 05:15 Westport/Heuston service Monday to Friday.
•New 05:38 hrs Manulla/Ballina service Monday to Friday.
•New 07:08 hrs Athlone/Westport service Monday to Friday.
•Existing 07:37 hrs Manulla/Ballina service Monday to Friday, deferred to 08:40 to provide connection from new 07:08 hrs service from Athlone.
An Iarnród Éireann spokesperson said: “With the National Transport Authority, we have identified opportunities for service improvements in the context of post-Covid travel patterns, as demand recovers strongly. We encourage all current customers and all considering rail for their sustainable travel options to review the proposed changes, and give us their feedback, as we finalise the new schedule.
“We know there has been much interest in the proposed additional services in Co. Mayo, and we look forward to the views of all who participate in the public consultation.”