Mayo TD seeking Dáil support for Western Rail Corridor investment

A Mayo TD is urging her Oireachtas colleagues to back a Dáil Éireann motion to deliver affordable, reliable and safe public transport in Mayo.

The motion, if adopted, would transform public transport in Mayo including delivering the Western Rail Corridor.

Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh (SF) said: "My party has a detailed, fully costed plan to deliver affordable, reliable and safe public transport across the country. This would include delivering Western Rail Corridor.

“We unfortunately know all too well in Mayo how many communities are let down by transport networks that are patchy and often subject to severe delays. It isn’t good enough.

“We need to see a public transport system delivered that meets communities’ needs here in Mayo. This must include affordable fares.

"We would extend this 20% fare reduction to commercial bus operators, who are currently excluded from the scheme.

“The government failed to include this investment in their Budget for 2023.

"This extension will particularly benefit commuters smaller towns and rural areas, where private operators deliver important connectivity, in areas the state failed to invest in.

“It’s clear that the public transport system is failing far too many communities due to years of under-investment from government after government.

"It’s time for leadership and for a detailed plan to ensure that the public transport system finally meets the needs of passengers across the state.

“Our motion calls on the government to commit to the urgent roll out of the Connecting Ireland rural bus plan.

"It also sets out how to deliver better regulation of public transport providers to ensure services are punctual and reliable.

"It would extend Short Hop zones to cut costs for passengers to affordable levels. It would allocate funding to kick start the delivery of the Western Railway Corridor project and the delivery of the Navan Rail line.

"The Western Rail Corridor has the potential to re-vitalise western communities, provide alternative transport options for people and deliver much needed regional connectivity.

"It has been estimated if the line is reactivated 575,000 passengers could travel on it each year by 2030.

“This is an opportunity to ensure a just transition towards environmental sustainability, by encouraging more people to use public transport. It can also boost the economy across the island, by connecting our villages, towns and cities.

“Our plan would make a huge difference in connecting communities in Mayo."