Cong bus service will not be axed

Bus service will not be axed


Michael Commins

BUS Éireann has announced that it is not going to “axe” the Cong/Galway route but instead will curtail the level of services somewhat. It was widely feared by local people and business concerns in the tourist village on the Mayo-Galway border that the company had intended to completely abandon the service.
Fine Gael Mayo Deputy, John O’Mahony, confirmed last Friday that the service will not be dropped after receiving correspondence from Bus Éireann stating that it will continue on a curtailed basis.
In a letter to the Mayo TD, Ray McDonagh, Services Manager with Bus Éireann, outlined the current position.
“I refer to your letter dated 11th June 2009, making representations for the retention of the Cong/Galway stage carriage service.
“Due to the serious downturn in the economy generally, Bus Éireann is reviewing its services, particularly loss-making stage carriage and commuter routes as part of its cost-cutting and recovery plan.
“In relation to the Cong/Galway service, it is not the intention to ‘axe’ the service at this stage but rather curtail it somewhat.
It is hoped that the communities you have mentioned in your letter will support the service so that further cuts in the level of service may not be required,” stated Mr McDonagh.
Deputy O’Mahony said the announcement would go someway to alleviating concerns that the company was severing links between Cong and Galway.
“It is true that Bus Éireann is reviewing its services and costs are being cut across the country. Despite this, it is relieving to learn that Cong/Galway will not be lost.
It is disappointing that the service will be curtailed and I will continue to campaign to ensure that all those who avail of the service are not unnecessarily discommoded by the cutbacks.”