Online petition to restore bus service in Mayo village

An online petition has been set up to restore Straide's bus service.

Cllr Michael Kilcoyne recently highlighted the issue, noting that Straide has a bus shelter but no buses stopping there.

The situation comes following the withdrawal of Bus Éireann's Route 52 from Ballina to Galway. Citylink routes are expected to replace that service but they are currently unlicensed to stop in Straide. The online petition calls for an official Transport For Ireland (TFI) and Citylink stop in the village and has already gained hundreds of signatures.

“For many years, the residents of Straide and nearby areas have struggled with limited access to public transport services, despite the existence of bus shelters in the locality," the petition explains. "Currently, the buses on the Galway-Ballina route pass through without making a stop, causing inconvenience and disruption for local residents who rely on these services for essential travel. This lack of an official TFI and Citylink stop severely limits our mobility, contributing to social and economic isolation, especially for those without alternative means of transportation."

It states that the community deserves equal and fair access to public transportation.

“Transport accessibility is a recognised necessity for community development and individual opportunity. The installation of the bus shelters points to a need and intent to provide these services, yet the absence of an official stopping point negates their use.

“By establishing an official stop in Straide, we can ensure equal access to public transport, enhance local connectivity and support the community's growth and development. The goal of this petition is simple yet crucial: to have the TFI and Citylink recognise Straide as an official stop on the Galway-Ballina route. This change would provide a tangible improvement in the daily lives of Straide residents and support sustainable community development."