TFI Local Link Mayo welcomed a visit from Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary T.D. to Achill to highlight the success of the enhanced Route 460 a/b between Castlebar and Achill Island.
This enhanced route is part of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan which is a major national public transport initiative developed and funded by the National Transport Authority (NTA) as part of the Transport for Ireland (TFI) Network.
Routes 460a and 460b replaced and extended the former 978 service which connects Béal an Mhuirthead and Castlebar.
Route 460a operates five daily return services between Gob an Choire and Castlebar, providing connection to Achill Island from Castlebar and surrounding areas.
Route 460b operates three daily return services between Béal an Mhuirthead and Castlebar. The routes combined provide eight daily return services between Mulranny, Newport and Castlebar, 7 days a week.
Passengers can avail of peak-time and evening services and connectivity to regional bus services, Castlebar Station, Mayo Hospital and to the villages and areas of Bun na hAbhna, Bangor Erris, Ballycroy, Poll Raithní, Mulranny and Newport.
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary said:
“I am delighted to support the continued expansion of Local Link rural transport services in County Mayo. The Achill expansion marks a significant step forward in connecting communities in the area.”
“By providing reliable and accessible transport options, we are ensuring that everyone, regardless of where they live, has the opportunity to participate fully in local life and benefit from vital services. This initiative reflects our commitment to sustainable mobility and enhancing rural connectivity.”
“The Government is committed to making further progress in connecting rural Ireland, through its Rural Mobility Plan, and I want to commend my colleague, Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien, for the work that he has been doing, in conjunction with the NTA on this.”
“TFI Local Link Mayo Manager Sarah Togher said: “We are delighted that the Achill community have responded positively to this service, combined 460a/b are delivering almost 4,500 monthly journeys and provides essential connectivity for onward travel throughout the county and beyond”
For timetable information visit www.locallinkmayo.ie or call 094 9005150.