Improved Irish Rail timetable comes into effect for Mayo

A Mayo Oireachtas member is reminding customers of Irish Rail that a new improved timetable comes into affect from next Sunday, December 11.

Minister of State Dara Calleary outlined the National Transport Authority has approved the following changes

A new 05:05 hrs service from Ballina to Manulla which will connect with the advanced 05:15hrs Westport/Heuston service Monday to Friday (commencing Monday 12th).

A new 07:08hrs Athlone/Westport service Monday to Friday providing a service for regional commuters along the line.

The 07:30hrs Athlone/Galway service will now commence from Tullamore at 06:50 on Monday to Friday, and additionally serve Clara.

There will be no change to the timings between Athlone and Galway; additional stop at Broombridge on 05:40hrs and 06:40hrs Sligo to Connolly and 16:00hrs and 19:15hrs Connolly to Sligo services, to connect to Luas.

He stated: “This is great news for the west.

"It will benefit people travelling to the capital on business or for appointments but equally it will help to drive movement in the opposite direction – for example opening up the possibility of tourists staying on an extra night when visiting Mayo and the west – essentially it makes us much more accessible, and that is to be welcomed.

"This has been a long hard fought battle – now to complete the extension of the Western Rail Corridor south of Claremorris onto Galway connecting Ballina, Westport, Castlebar directly to the city,” he added.