Minister moves to ensure retention of Mayo to Galway Expressway bus service

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary has confirmed that the National Transport Authority has commenced a Public Service Obligation Determination Process in light of the Bus Éireann announcement that it is to cease Route 52 Ballina-Galway Expressway service.

He outlined: “The news that broke on Friday evening last that Bus Éireann intends to cease its Route 52 Service between Ballina and Galway has been met with widespread disappointment by constituents of Ballina and across Mayo.

"I have been in contact with both the NTA and the Minister for Transport over the weekend.

“As is the case with any commercial route withdrawals, the withdrawal of BÉ Expressway routes has now triggered the NTA’s PSO Determination process.

"I have written to the NTA and the Minister for Transport strongly advocating for the retention of the Route 52 service.

"In light of ongoing fuel price increases, the necessity of this service for hospital appointments, college-goers and general connectivity of the region, it is vital that Route 52 is retained.

"Without pre-empting the outcome of the process, the NTA hope to conclude this over the coming days and I am very hopeful that a positive outcome can be reached,” he said