Ballina is the terminus of the 1876 MGWR branch from Manulla Jnc on the Westport line. The branch was extended to Killalla for a short time, but this extension closed in 1934 and only a stub of it remains, this been the Crossmolina siding which is now used for timber loading. The station once had two platforms and an MGWR signal cabin, but in 1977 the second platform was demolished to make for the expansion of freight facilities and a new modern signal cabin was opened. Over the years freight has declined with the both the Asahi liners, and general container traffic ceasing. Today however two newer important freight flows have been established, this been the timber and Norfolk Liner trains, which often brings 141/181/121 and 071 motive power to the branch. The branch trains however are now operated by 2700 DMUs, but the Dublin service is still loco hauled?