Irish Rail service suspended after body discovered near rail line

A garda investigation is underway following the discovery of a man's body in Co Mayo on Sunday.

The tragic discovery was made close to the main Dublin-Westport rail line at Skehard, a short distance, from Ballyhaunis this afternoon.

The discovery led Iarnrd Eireann to suspend trains passing through Ballyhaunis at the request of gardai as officers dealt with the incident and a number of services between Westport and Heuston Station had to be diverted via bus links.

In a message posted to their official Twitter page this afternoon, Irish Rail said: "Passengers intending to travel on the 13:20 Westport to Heuston and the 13:40 Heuston to Westport services will encounter a delay.

"Garda have requested the Line closed at Ballyhaunis to deal with an incident."

Passengers intending to travel on the 13:20 Westport to Heuston and the 13:40 Heuston to Westport services will encounter a delay. Garda have requested the Line closed at Ballyhaunis to deal with an incident. Update to follow. -AB

— Iarnrd ireann #StaySafe (@IrishRail) January 17, 2021

The line at Ballyhaunis has since reopened.

Gardai say they are investigating all circumstances around the death and thatthe results of a post-mortem will determine the course of further enquiries in the case.

A Garda spokesman said: Gardai are investigating all of the circumstances regarding the discovery of a body (male) in Ballyhaunis this afternoon, Sunday 17th January 2021.

The results of a post-mortem will determine the course of further enquiries in the case.

"No further information available at this time."