Mark Duffy (Fine Gael)

I welcome our guests from the NTA, Bus Éireann and the Coach Tourism and Transport Council of Ireland.

I represent County Mayo, where we have had some very positive examples of TFI Local Link. In this regard, Mr. Creegan mentioned in the opening statement the Anseo service on Achill Island. There are additional services connecting Castlebar to Achill and also Belmullet, and these have been very positive. I thank the NTA and Local Link, including Sarah Togher and the team on the ground in Mayo, who are doing excellent work.

I have one observation. It may be something the NTA or Bus Éireann can help with. I have previously advocated for the connectivity of Knock Airport with north Mayo. Knock Airport is well connected with bus links to Castlebar and Westport. Six routes have return journeys daily. However, Knock Airport to Foxford, Ballina and north Mayo is served with only one connection outbound and two from Ballina to Knock Airport. It is underserved. Demand in Knock Airport is growing all of the time and it would be very welcome if we could find a way between the NTA and Bus Éireann to try to connect Knock Airport with north Mayo and west Sligo. It is something I have raised previously, although not at this committee. I would welcome some consideration of that.

My second point is for Bus Éireann and relates to bus stops and the lack of bus stops in places in Mayo and the deterioration of some. I have had constituents raise it with me in places like Charlestown where the timetables on the bus stops have totally deteriorated. I have raised it with Bus Éireann and the local council, but action would be welcome on it.