Mayo TD calls for replacement bus service for Ballina to Galway route
Sinn Féin TD, Rose Conway-Walsh says withdrawal of Bus Éireann Expressway service is 'another blow to rural connectivity' in Mayo
A MAYO TD has called on the Government and the National Transport Authority to install a replacement bus service from Ballina to Galway following the withdrawal of the Bus Éireann service.
Earlier today, Bus Éireann announced that it was withdrawing its Expressway Ballina to Galway Route 52 service from May 24 citing 'continuous significant losses being incurred' as a reason for doing so.
Sinn Féin TD, Rose Conway-Walsh expressed deep disappointment at the decision by Bus Éireann describing it as a 'huge blow for connectivity and the local economy in Co Mayo'. The Erris-based TD called for the Government and the NTA to install a replacement for the service.
“This decision represents yet another blow to rural connectivity in Mayo and the wider region. The loss of this vital service will have far-reaching consequences, not just for Ballina, but for every community along the route – including Foxford, Straide, Ballyvary, Castlebar, Breaffy, Balla, Claremorris and Ballindine.
“For many people in these towns and villages, this route is a lifeline. Its withdrawal strips away essential transport infrastructure that people rely on daily to access work, education and hospital appointments, and it couldn’t have come at a worse time when petrol and diesel prices are soaring.
“I am particularly concerned about the impact on patients and families who depend on this service to attend either Mayo University Hospital and Galway University Hospital, including those accessing vital cancer treatment. Removing this transport link places additional stress and hardship on people at an already difficult time,” she said.
The Route 52 service currently operates six services departing from Ballina and Galway every day. Departing from Ballina Bus Station, Expressway Route 52 also passes through Foxford, Castlebar and Claremorris before arriving at Galway Bus Station.
The private bus company, City Link Ireland also operates a daily bus route from Ballina to Galway and provides five services from Monday to Saturday and four on Sundays.
Deputy Conway-Walsh said that third-level students commuting to college in Galway or ATU in Castlebar will also be severely affected.
“At a time when we should be encouraging access to education, decisions like this create further barriers for young people in rural Ireland.
“While I note that Expressway services are operated on a commercial basis, this situation highlights a fundamental failure by the Government and the National Transport Authority to ensure adequate public transport provision in rural communities.
“The Government and the NTA must now step up to the plate. They cannot stand over the continued erosion of rural services. There is a clear and urgent need for a State-funded, reliable, direct bus service between Ballina and Galway.
“Rural communities deserve equal access to public transport options,” she concluded.
South Mayo based Independent councillors Richard Finn and Patsy O’Brien both described the move as 'outrageous' and a 'further blow to the west'.
Cllr 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, Patsy O’Brien described the move as deeply unfair and short-sighted.
“This is another 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.”