A new daily train service option from Dublin Heuston to Westport will offer Mayo commuters the chance to leave the capital at the later time of 7.35pm - rather than the current last train of 6.15pm - in order to get home - according to new plans by Irish Rail. Under the plan, passengers for Mayo on the 7.35pm (Dublin-Galway ) train will be able to transfer at Athlone to catch the 21.08pm Athlone to Westport train, which should arrive in to Westport at around 11pm.
Iarnród Éireann, in conjunction with the National Transport Authority, announced plans on Wednesday to introduce a new daily train service in each direction between Westport and Athlone, connecting at Athlone to trains to/from Dublin Heuston and Galway, from December 2023.
The new services – part of a draft timetable now open for public consultation feedback - will operate at 16:20hrs from Westport to Athlone, and 21:08hrs from Athlone to Westport (Monday to Saturday ) from 10th December 2023 under the draft schedule.
The 21:08hrs service from Athlone to Westport will also have a connection at Manulla Junction to/from Ballina, and represents a new later last departure from Dublin Heuston for Mayo-bound rail customers, transferring from the 19:35hrs Heuston to Galway at Athlone.
The extra service will mean there will now be five services available from Dublin Heuston to Westport daily, and six from Westport to Heuston.
The company has published details of the proposed schedule and has invited the public to submit feedback in advance of the finalisation of the new timetable.
Highlights of the proposed new timetables for Mayo and Galway line rail customers are:
- Additional 16:20hrs Westport to Athlone and 21:08hrs Athlone to Westport service daily (Monday to Saturday ), providing connections to/from Dublin Heuston at Athlone.
- Connection from/to Ballina to the new 21:08hrs Athlone to Westport above.
- 19:35hrs Dublin Heuston to Galway (Mon to Sat ) and 18:45hrs Heuston to Galway (Sunday ) will additionally serve Clara, providing a later final service to Clara.
- 06:25hrs Galway to Dublin Heuston (Mon to Sat ) will additionally serve Ballinasloe
A number of other minor schedule alterations to improve punctuality.
The consultation survey is open until Wednesday 27th September 2023 and full draft timetables can be viewed at www.irishrail.ie The news was welcomed by Mayo Fine Gael TD, Alan Dillon who said, "The additional service from Westport to Athlone and the connection from Ballina to the new Athlone-Westport evening service are commendable steps towards improving the region's transportation network. These new routes will greatly benefit our Mayo constituents, enhancing mobility and potentially boosting local tourism and business."
He added: "I encourage everyone in Mayo and beyond to review the proposed timetable and provide feedback. Your insights will ensure that the finalised schedules are truly reflective of the community's needs. The recent announcement of Citylink/GoBus new express service starting on the 25th September will seamlessly connect Castlebar, Claremorris, Tuam, Athlone, Dublin City, and Dublin Airport is a huge win for Mayo commuters and this news from Irish Rail is another boost for the people of the west."
