Concern over lack of connectivity for Mayo rail passengers

A Mayo Oireachtas member has raised concerns over a transport issue impacting on rail passengers in north Mayo.

Deputy Paul Lawless has called on the Minister for Transport to address the lack of connectivity between Irish Rail services arriving in Ballina and Bus Éireann departures to Belmullet and Blacksod, which currently leaves visitors with insufficient transfer time or no onward connection.

The Mayo TD wants the minister to engage with both operators to review timetables and improve integration to support tourism development in Erris, reduce carbon emissions and enhance public transport accessibility for rural communities.

In response, Minister Darragh O'Brien said the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.

"I continue to engage with the NTA on an ongoing basis in relation to maintaining high operational standards on all forms of public transport.

"However, in light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the deputy's query to the NTA for a direct reply."