Urgent action called following 'sudden' removal of Mayo bus stop
"Ensuring reliable public transport links is essential for rural communities"
Minister of State Alan Dillon TD has called for urgent action from Bus Éireann and the NTA following the sudden removal of the 450 bus stop from Dooagh, Achill, a change that has caused confusion and inconvenience for local residents.
The issue was recently brought to Minister Dillon’s attention after local residents reported that the 450 service, which runs between Dooagh and Louisburgh, with stops in Mulranny, Newport, Westport and Murrisk, departed from the beach car park last week and continued directly to Keel, bypassing the long-established bus stop at Lourdies where passengers were waiting.
It has since been confirmed that the terminus has been moved to the Achill Head Hotel in Pollagh.
Minister Dillon has contacted Bus Éireann and the National Transport Authority seeking clarity on the reasons for the change, whether it was communicated effectively to the community, and what steps are being taken to restore a suitable stop within Dooagh.
Transport for Ireland informed residents that the 450 service will no longer be terminating in Dooagh 'due to a Health and Safety issue', adding that buses will now terminate at the Achill Head Hotel just before the village of Pollagh until a more permanent solution is found.
According to Minister Dillon, the absence of a bus stop in Dooagh is a significant concern for residents, particularly with the busy summer season approaching. The area sees a large influx of visitors during the summer months, many of whom rely on public transport to access the western end of Achill Island.
Minister Dillon also noted that the school bus continues to turn safely just beyond the end of the village each day, demonstrating that suitable turning locations do exist within Dooagh.
He has asked Bus Éireann and the National Transport Authority to urgently review potential safe stopping points in the village and to engage with the local community to find a practical and timely solution.
“Ensuring reliable public transport links is essential for rural communities,” Minister Dillon said. “I will continue to follow up on this matter until clarity is provided and a workable resolution is identified.”
