NTA not to proceed with proposed cuts to Mayo bus service
THE National Transport Authority (NTA) has decided not to proceed with proposed cuts to the 450 bus service in Achill.
The 450 service currently serves Dooagh to Louisburgh via Westport. In Achill it also has stops in Dugort and Dooniver.
Under a proposal announced by the NTA on February 12, the service would no longer serve the existing stops at Dugort and Dooniver from February 22.
Confirming the decision reversal, Minister Dara Calleary said: “Following a series of engagements with officials from the NTA since last Friday, I am delighted to announce that it has been confirmed to me this afternoon that the proposed cuts to the service in Achill will not go ahead this Sunday as planned.”
A statement from the NTA this afternoon stated: The National Transport Authority has decided to postpone the planned changes to TFI route 450 until the end of the current one-year TFI Anseo pilot that is underway on Achill. This will allow residents of and visitors to the island more time to familiarise themselves with the TFI Anseo service.
The current pilot is expected to conclude in August 2026, after which a review will be undertaken to evaluate the lessons learned and assess the user experience and wider benefits in relation to the cost of providing the service.
The review will also consider the wider TFI network on Achill, whether the TFI Anseo service should continue, and if so how any ongoing TFI Anseo service would complement and / or supersede scheduled bus services where appropriate to provide a more efficient, affective and responsive public transport network on Achill and the wider Mayo region.
Said Minister Calleary: “I very much welcome this decision. This will allow for full and meaningful engagement with all stakeholders. There is a place for both the existing 450 route and TFI Anseo to work in harmony to ensure that all areas in Achill remain fully accessible by public transport.”
Local Councillor Paul McNamara also welcomed the decision, saying: “I am delighted that the NTA have listened to the concerns that were raised and have revered their decision.
“I have been inundated with calls since this news was released last Thursday. I would call on the NTA to meet with local stakeholders to discuss any further plans they may have for the area. I want to thank Minister Calleary for his quick action on this matter.”
Minister Calleary thanked the NTA for their engagement and willingness to take his concerns, and that of the local community, on board and said he looked forward to continued engagement with them on the issue in the months ahead.