Outrage as Bus Éireann moves to scrap Mayo route

MAYO Independent councillors Richard Finn and Patsy O’Brien have launched a scathing attack on the decision by Bus Éireann to withdraw the Route 52 Expressway service linking Ballina and Galway, describing the move as 'outrageous' and a 'further blow to the west'.

The service, which is due to cease from May 24, currently connects towns and communities including Ballina, Foxford, Straide, Ballyvary, Castlebar, Balla, Claremorris, Ballindine, Milltown and Tuam, before serving ATU Galway and Galway city.

Reacting strongly to the announcement, Councillor Finn said the decision would have far-reaching consequences for communities across Mayo and Galway.

“This is an outrageous decision that must be reversed immediately,” he said. “This is a vital service for the people of the west. It connects rural towns and villages to major urban centres and, crucially, it serves two university towns - Castlebar and Galway - with students heavily dependent on it.”

Councillor Finn warned that removing the route would isolate communities and undermine efforts to encourage balanced regional development.

“We are constantly hearing about encouraging people to live in the west, to invest in rural Ireland, and to build sustainable communities. Yet decisions like this completely contradict that message,” he added.

“You cannot expect people to live, work or study in rural areas if you continue to strip away essential public transport links.”

Echoing those concerns, Councillor O’Brien described the move as 'deeply unfair and short-sighted'.

“This is a further blow to the west of Ireland,” he said. “People here should not be penalised for the inefficiencies of a state-owned company. It is simply not acceptable.”

Councillor O’Brien stressed that the service plays a key role not just for commuters and students, but also for older people, those without cars, and workers travelling between towns.

“This route services two university towns. It takes cars off the road. It reduces congestion and supports climate goals. Removing it will push more people back into private cars, which goes against everything the government says it wants to achieve,” he said.

Both councillors rejected the explanation from Bus Éireann that the service is being withdrawn due to significant financial losses, pointing out that the company is wholly owned by Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ).

“They cannot cherry-pick only the most profitable routes,” Councillor Finn said. “They are a public service provider. Their role is not just about profit - it is about connectivity, social cohesion and supporting regional communities.”

He referenced CIÉ’s stated mission of delivering 'attractive sustainable public transport services' that support economic growth and social cohesion.

“That commitment rings hollow when you see services like this being cut,” he said. “If anything, routes like the 52 should be strengthened, not scrapped.”

Councillor O’Brien called on the government and the Minister for Transport to intervene immediately to prevent the withdrawal.

“The government is the shareholder here. It has a responsibility to step in and ensure that essential services are maintained,” he said. “We need urgent action to reverse this proposal before lasting damage is done.”

The councillors also warned of the wider economic and social impact of the decision.

“These communities rely on connectivity,” Councillor Finn said. “Local businesses, students, workers - they all depend on this service. Removing it sends entirely the wrong signal about the future of rural Ireland.”

Bus Éireann has confirmed that the Route 52 service is one of three Expressway routes to be discontinued from May 24, citing ongoing financial losses and the need to safeguard its wider commercial network. The company has stated that Expressway services operate without State subvention.

However, both councillors insist that argument does not stand up to scrutiny.

“This is not just a commercial decision - it is a public policy issue,” Councillo O’Brien said. “If we are serious about regional development, climate action and equal access to services, then this route must be retained.”

They are now urging communities across the west to make their voices heard and to demand a reversal of what they describe as an 'ill-judged and damaging' decision.