NTA green light late Dublin to Mayo train service

Mayo Fine Gael TD, Alan Dillon, expressed his delight with the approval of enhancements to the Irish Rail timetable, which will introduce a new late train service from Dublin to Mayo, operating six days a week.

Deputy Dillon said, "I am delighted that the National Transport Authority (NTA) has given the green light to a revised timetable, which includes a late train departing from Dublin at 19.35pm from Monday to Saturday."

After receiving confirmation of the approval following a positive response in the public consultation, Deputy Dillon added, "This additional service is set to commence on December 10."

The newly introduced service will make stops at various stations, including Ballyhaunis at 10.01pm, Claremorris at 10.16pm, Castlebar at 10.36pm, Westport at 10.53pm, Foxford at 10.47pm, and Ballina at 11.00pm.

Deputy Dillon, who also holds the position of Chairman of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party, highlighted, "Last year, the Westport to Dublin route witnessed a total of 545,000 journeys, and this year has seen further substantial growth, with punctuality performance on this route at an impressive 93.8%."

As a member of the Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Deputy Dillon noted, "Many Mayo rail commuters have recently reached out to express their frustration with being unable to book rail tickets for journeys starting on December 10 and beyond. I've been informed that this issue stems from Irish Rail's efforts to update their website with the upcoming timetable, which is set to go live shortly, just in time for the Christmas rush."

He continued, saying, "I have been an advocate for enhanced transport services in our county. I have also contacted Irish Rail regarding the return of the trolley catering service, which was absent on the Dublin to West routes prior to Covid-19. I have reached out to Jim Meade, CEO of Irish Rail, and anticipate a meeting with him in the coming weeks to discuss the progress of the pilot trolley service, currently in operation on the Dublin to Cork line."

Deputy Dillon emphasised, "These additional services from Heuston to Westport and connections to Ballina represent positive strides toward improving the region's transportation network. These new routes will significantly benefit our Mayo constituents, enhancing mobility and potentially stimulating local tourism and businesses."