NTA u-turn on proposed cuts to Achill bus service welcomed by Mayo TD

Mayo TD and Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, has welcomed a National Transport Authority (NTA) decision not to proceed with proposed cuts to a bus service in Achill.

The 450 bus service currently serves Dooagh to Louisburgh via Westport and 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.

However, following a backlash from members of the public and public representatives, the NTA met with Minister Calleary last Friday and informed him that the proposed cuts to the service in Achill will not go ahead this Sunday as planned.

In a statement, the NTA stated they 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, they stated, will allow residents of and visitors to the island more time to familiarise themselves with the TFI Anseo service.

Welcoming the decision, Minister Calleary said: “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.”

The current TFI Anseo 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'.

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The NTA added that the review will also consider the wider TFI network on Achill, whether the TFI Anseo service should continue, and if so how any on-going TFI Anseo service would complement and / or supersede scheduled bus services where appropriate to provide a more efficient, effective and responsive public transport network on Achill and the wider Mayo region.

Local Councillor Paul McNamara 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.”

In conclusion, Minister Calleary said: “I want to thank the NTA for their engagement on this and their willingness to take my concerns, and that of the local community, on board and look forward to continued engagement with them on the issue in the months ahead.”