Suspension of rural bus service in west Mayo questioned

THE suspension of a bus service in a rural part of west Mayo has been raised at a meeting of the Oireachtas Committee on Transport.

A request to restore the Killeen to Killadoon section of the local service, operated by the National Transport Authority (NTA), has been refused.

The matter was raised by Deputy Michael Collins of Independent Ireland following representations by local Louisburgh Councillor Chris Maxwell.

He explained how there is a serious issue in west Mayo in relation to the NTA after it suspended part of the bus service through Westport, Louisburgh, Killeen and Killadoon.

A request from local representatives to reinstate the Killeen to Killadoon section has been refused, he said, a decision that has left residents isolated, with no viable alternative for essential travel.

Deputy Collins told Minister of State Jerry Buttimer: “These communities are being neglected. People are forced to rely on private cars for every journey whether getting to work, school, medical appointments or simply accessing basic services.”

And it wasn't just a social issue, but also a climate issue, he said, with 21.5% of our national emissions coming from private cars.

He urged the minister to look at why the service was suspended, saying it is not easy for rural communities like this one in Mayo to have the service suspended.

Minister Buttimer said he would take the information and engage with the NTA about the matter.