Enhanced Mayo transport links a boost for rural communities

A Mayo Oireachtas member has welcomed the launch of an enhanced rural bus service between Castlebar and Achill Island.

This enhanced route is part of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan which is a major national public transport initiative developed and funded by the National Transport Authority (NTA) as part of the Transport for Ireland (TFI) Network.

Route 460a will operate five daily return services between Achill Sound and Castlebar, providing a brand-new connection to Achill Island from Castlebar and surrounding areas.

Route 460b will operate three daily return services between Béal an Mhuirthead and Castlebar, which will replace the current service offered by Route 978.

Senator Mark Duffy stated: “I’m delighted to see the further expansion of the Local Link network and this enhanced service is a fantastic addition for local communities.

"Local Link has been hugely effective in providing regular, convenient and affordable options for rural communities and the continued expansion of the Mayo network is vital for those wishing to access local services and support local business.”

The routes combined will provide eight daily return services between Mulranny, Newport and Castlebar, seven days a week.

The new routes will provide peak-time and evening services and will offer connectivity to regional bus services, Castlebar Railway Station and Mayo University Hospital.