The Western Development Commission (WDC) has today published the Sustainable Mobility Index (SMI) 2024, the most comprehensive assessment and only index of its kind, of rural transport progress in Ireland.
Covering 40 rural towns across the Western Region, the report demonstrates significant improvements in public transport accessibility and connectivity, while also identifying areas for further investment, particularly in active travel infrastructure, affordability, and connectivity.
Four Mayo towns were included in SMI24, all of these were also in the original SMI (SMI22).
The biggest gains in this year’s index include Westport, Co. Mayo, which climbs three places to take the No.1 ranking, reflecting the benefits of ongoing investment in sustainable transport.
Mayo shines in SMI 2024 with Westport claiming the top national spot, driven by best-in-class low-carbon and service access. Claremorris and Ballyhaunis have also surged, now ranking in the top 12.
Ballyhaunis saw the greatest improvement of all 40 towns, rising 14 places.
Dr. Helen McHenry, Policy Analyst at the WDC and lead author of the report, emphasised the importance of sustained investment and has been giving more details to Midwest Radio’s Michael D. McAndrew.
