Early Bird catches the passengers

Early Bird catches the Mayo passengers


Áine Ryan

DESPITE initial teething problems, Westport’s new Early Bird train service to Heuston Station, Dublin, is running smoothly. Flooding on the line on Monday, November 30 last, meant that first passengers were bussed to Athlone for the inaugural Early Bird service. The service leaves Westport at 5.15am, and arrives in Heuston Station at 8.50am, returning in the afternoon at 3.30pm.
Speaking to The Mayo News yesterday, Myles McHugh of Irish Rail ‘welcomed the support commuters were giving to the new service’.
“There were 50 people on the first Early Bird from Westport and that was an indication there was support for the service. We never make predictions based on such early figures but the initial numbers are encouraging. Like all our services, it will be reviewed constantly,” Myles McHugh said.
“We are very grateful for all the support and commitment Iarnród Éireann has received from local communities and groups regarding the implementation of this service,” he added.
Early last month commuters in the west received the surprise good news that Irish Rail was about to introduce the much-campaigned for service. Both Westport Town Council and Westport Chamber of Commerce led vigorous campaigns for its introduction.
Cathaoirleach Myles Staunton said: “The fact that the Early Bird train service will arrive in Dublin prior to the start of the normal business working day will be of particular benefit to those involved in business, tourism and education within the town. Westport Town Council in conjunction with Westport Chamber of Commerce have been to the forefront in lobbying for this Early Bird service to Dublin for a number of years and I am delighted that the hard work has paid off,” said Cllr Staunton. 
Speaking also at the time, Cllr Margaret Adams observed that, as a strong critic of the decision to shelve the plan, she was ‘delighted the service had now come to fruition’ and moreover ‘looked forward to it coming on line’.
“The fact that there will be a mid-afternoon return train is also to be welcomed, along with the fact that there will not be a changeover in Athlone,” said Cllr Adams.