Online petition to restore central Mayo village's bus service

AN online petition to restore the bus service in Straide has been launched.

The village's plight of having bus shelters but no buses has been highlighted by local elected representatives.

The situation arose after Bus Éireann's Route 52 from Ballina to Galway and Galway to Ballina was withdrawn, leaving Straide without a bus service.

There is a proposal for Citylink to replace that service but they are currently unlicensed to stop in Straide.

The aim of the petition is to have Straide recognised by TFI and Citylink as an official stop on the Galway-Ballina route. This change would provide a tangible improvement in the daily lives of Straide residents and support sustainable community development.

The petition on change.org explained: 'For many years, the residents of Straide and nearby areas have struggled with limited access to public transport services, despite the existence of bus shelters in the locality.

'Currently, the buses on the Galway-Ballina route pass through without making a stop, causing inconvenience and disruption for local residents who rely on these services for essential travel. This lack of an official Transport for Ireland (TFI) and Citylink stop severely limits our mobility, contributing to social and economic isolation, especially for those without alternative means of transportation.

'Transport accessibility is a recognised necessity for community development and individual opportunity. The installation of the bus shelters points to a need and intent to provide these services, yet the absence of an official stopping point negates their use.

'By establishing an official stop in Straide, we can ensure equal access to public transport, enhance local connectivity and support the community's growth and development.'