Increasing frequency of Mayo to Dublin rail services being considered

A proposal to increase the frequency of daily rail services between Westport and Heuston Station, Dublin, is under consideration.

The matter has been raised with the Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien by Dublin Fine Gael TD Naoise Ó Muirí.

He requested the minister "to consider improving the frequencies of the Westport to Dublin train service to a two hourly service similar to Sligo and Galway train services."

In response Minister O'Brien stated: "I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.

"However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.

"The query raised by the deputy is an operational matter for Irish Rail in conjunction with the National Transport Authority.

"I have, therefore, referred the deputy's question to both companies for direct reply."

Deputy Ó Muirí has also appealed to the minister to consider restoring the catering services across all railway networks, including Westport to Dublin, by Public Service Obligation funding.