The National Transport Authority (NTA), in partnership with Bus Éireann, has today announced changes to Route 450 on Achill Island, which will come into effect on Saturday, 22 February.
The changes are designed to reduce journey times and improve service efficiency while ensuring continued access to public transport through the Transport for Ireland (TFI) Network.
From 22 February, Route 450 will operate on a revised alignment using the R319 road between Keel and Bun an Churraigh. This change is expected to reduce journey times by approximately 15 minutes in each direction, delivering faster and more reliable journeys for passengers travelling to and from Achill Island.
As a result of the revised alignment, the service will no longer serve the existing stops at Dugort and Dún Ibhir.
Passengers in Dugort and Dún Ibhir will continue to have access to public transport through TFI Anseo, the NTA’s Smart On‑Demand public transport service, which is currently being piloted on Achill Island for a 12‑month period. Customers in Dugort an Dún Ibhir who wish to travel further afield can use TFI Anseo to book a trip to Gob an Choire or Mulranny, from where they can connect onto routes 450, 460a or 460b to Westport, Castlebar or Béal an Mhuirthead.
TFI Anseo is part of the wider TFI Network and operates as a Smart Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) service, offering flexible, bookable journeys to complement scheduled bus services and improve connectivity in rural areas.
The timetable between Bun an Churraigh and Louisburgh will remain unchanged. However, departure and arrival times for Keel and Dooagh will be adjusted to reflect the reduced journey time on the revised route.
Speaking on the changes, John Nott, Head of Public Transport Service Planning at the National Transport Authority (NTA) said: “These changes to Route BE#450 are designed to deliver quicker and more efficient journeys for passengers travelling to and from Achill Island, while ensuring that communities continue to be supported through the TFI Network. The introduction of faster scheduled services alongside the TFI Anseo on‑demand pilot reflects our commitment to improving rural connectivity and offering transport solutions that meet local needs.”
For more information on the new Route 450 Alignment, please visit buseireann.ie or for passengers looking to use TFI Anseo, please visit TFI Anseo App – Transport for Ireland.
TFI Anseo is currently operating as a pilot on‑demand public transport service in Mayo.
The pilot is designed to assess how best to meet passenger travel needs, and its outcomes will help inform any future changes to the Route 450 timetable, with the aim of improving journey options and overall service for passengers.
