Councillors press case for Killucan station and better Westmeath transport links
A long-awaited meeting between Westmeath County Council and the state transport agencies has seen local representatives press for progress on Killucan railway station, improved bus services and the reopening of the Mullingar to Athlone rail line.
The meeting, attended by representatives of Westmeath County Council, the National Transport Authority (NTA), Iarnród Éireann, Bus Éireann and TFI, was described as providing some positive commitments on bus transport, while concerns were raised over the lack of firm commitments from Iarnród Éireann.
Cllr Denis Leonard said the meeting, which he had been seeking for three years, had finally taken place and highlighted a number of developments he welcomed.
“On the positive front, I got confirmation from TFI that the route A26 will begin in 2027, serving Mullingar, Killucan, Kinnegad, Edenderry and Portarlington,” he said.
Cllr Leonard said the service would provide a regular link between Killucan and Kinnegad, while bus stops near estates in Kinnegad are expected in the coming months. A feasibility study for a park-and-ride facility in Kinnegad is also to begin, and an early morning 115 Bus Éireann service linking Kinnegad with Mullingar is now on the agenda.
The Labour councillor said he was disappointed by the response from Iarnród Éireann regarding Killucan station and the Mullingar to Athlone railway line.
Vague
“Irish Rail gave nothing on any issue,” he said. “They are still very vague on Killucan station, and are asking the council to take the lead on it.”
Cllr Ken Glynn also described the NTA and TFI response as positive, particularly regarding expanded bus services.
He raised the need for a third route on the Mullingar Town Bus Service, serving areas including the Ballymahon Road, Patrick Street, Green Road, Ashe Road, Ballinderry Hill, Lynn and Delvin Road.
“The NTA advised that this is under ongoing review and that an average of over 6,000 fares are used each week,” Cllr Glynn said.
Shortly after the town bus was launched Cllr Glynn urged the local authority to press the NTA to extend the Mullingar town bus service to serve more areas of the town.
He also raised the need for additional capacity during busy morning periods and bus shelters at busy stops.
On rail services, Cllr Glynn said he had reaffirmed the need to reopen the Mullingar to Athlone line and was told it remained a long-term priority.
Both councillors expressed concern at the potential timescale for rail investment in the county.
Cllr Glynn said that if the Mullingar-Athlone project was not revisited until the mid-2030s, construction could potentially extend into the 2040s.
Cllr Leonard said he would continue lobbying for Killucan station and other transport projects, while also urging Westmeath’s Oireachtas members to raise the issues with the minister for transport.
The councillors said the meeting demonstrated the need for continued pressure to secure improved public transport connections for communities across Westmeath.