Funding sought for new shuttle bus linking Mayo towns to Ireland West Airport Knock 

A proposed new bus service linking Ballina, Foxford, Swinford and Charlestown with Ireland West Airport Knock has been included in a funding request ahead of Budget 2027, in a move that could significantly improve public transport links for north and east Mayo passengers.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has submitted a proposal to the Minister for Transport, seeking funding for the new bus connection as part of the upcoming budget.

Senator Mark Duffy confirmed the news today after a meeting of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport.

Senator Duffy said funding has been sought for the proposed service, which he described as a vital transport link that will “dramatically improve connectivity between North Mayo and Knock Airport and also provide a new service between Charlestown and Castlebar.” 

If funding is approved, the route will connect passengers from Ballina, Foxford, Swinford and Charlestown to the airport, and would also see a new shuttle service from Charlestown serving the airport, Kilkelly, Kiltimagh and continuing onto Castlebar, operating six return services daily.

“At this morning’s sitting of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport I raised the matter of the proposed new route that would connect Knock Airport to North Mayo, and I am glad to confirm that the proposal has been submitted to the Minister for Transport by the NTA and that funding has been sought in the upcoming budget as part of the Busconnects plan,” Senator Duffy said.

“I am glad that the NTA have listened to the request that I made at the last Oireachtas Committee meeting. I want to thank the NTA team for engaging constructively on this proposal, and I will continue to campaign for what are essential services for the region,” he added.