TFI Local Link Mayo was delighted to welcome Maria Walsh MEP to the Castlebar office, during her recent constituency tour of County Mayo. The visit offered a valuable platform for in-depth discussions surrounding the pressing challenges of rural mobility and transport poverty, emphasising the critical link between the right to access and the right to remain in one’s community. This conversation underscored the belief that mobility is not a privilege, but a fundamental right for all citizens, irrespective of geographic location.
Throughout Mayo, many isolated areas face extreme car dependency, which has emerged as a significant barrier to equity. This dependency places heavy financial and time burdens on households, while also intensifying environmental pressures. The meeting highlighted that addressing these challenges is essential to reducing transport poverty and creating more inclusive, sustainable rural communities.
TFI Local Link Mayo representatives and Maria Walsh MEP engaged in constructive dialogue, recognising mobility as a key enabler for fundamental rights. Maria Walsh MEP commented, “Together, we will explore strategies to ensure that rural transport systems meet people’s diverse needs, from affordable public and shared mobility solutions to policies and measures that reduce isolation and strengthen the social and economic fabric of rural communities.”
TFI Local Link Mayo also took the opportunity to inform Maria Walsh regarding their submission to the Public Consultation on the Development of the Priorities and Policy Programme for Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026 that Rural Mobility is adopted as a work area under the Irish Presidency, and continued into the Lithuanian and Greek Presidencies through 2027.
“Rural mobility” refers to the ability of people to move about and access whatever is relevant to them. It is about the full diversity of people in Europe being able to live their daily lives, and access all that they need, without being dependent on personal ownership and use of private cars. It also incorporates emphasising the importance of accessible options for local communities across the region.
This visit reaffirms TFI Local Link Mayo’s commitment to working collaboratively with policymakers and stakeholders to advance equitable access to rural transport, supporting the vision of vibrant, connected communities throughout County Mayo.
Photo credit: Eoin Heverin