The Western highlights the ongoing strike at Davitt House by Department of Agriculture staff. Passing either of the Davitt House entrances in the past weeks you may have noticed the picket outside – an unusual sight in Castlebar. The dispute is in pursuit of improved promotion prospects. The Civil and Public Services Union said that they were engaging in limited industrial action only but DOA had taken a ‘macho’ approach and locked the staff out effectively closing the offices. The Union has contacted the IFA expressing regret at the loss of services

The Strategic Rail Review gives some encouragement in that it didn’t recommend closing any Mayo lines but many groups condemned the report for its Dublin-centric view. No pirority for the Western Rail Corridor as many had hoped for. The Western Development Commission were especially disappointed at the low priority given to this option. A train leaving for Dublin every two hours is mooted – but we will believe it when we see it! The single track line constrains capacity between the West and Dublin.