Go-ahead for bus link from Kent station to airport
The Department of Transport has granted the licence to successful private bus operator, Skylink, almost a year-and-a-half after it applied.
The company, which already operates an express bus service linking the airport to the city centre seven days a week, has just completed the final certification procedures for the new service and hopes to get buses on the route within weeks. The timetable has yet to be announced.
“We will operate 12 services a day providing a direct link between the train station and the airport using the South Link Road,” Skylink’s director Neil Hogan said. “Travel time should be no more than 15 to 20 minutes. For the first time people from Cobh, Midleton, Mallow who arrive in the city by train will have direct access to Cork Airport.”
Fares will start at €5 one way for adults and €8 return, with discounts for students, children and families. Customers can save 30% by buying their tickets online at www.skylinkcork.com.
Mr Hogan also announced his company will expand its Washington Street route westwards along the Western Road, returning to the airport via Victoria Cross and Wilton — a move which will link the airport with University College Cork (UCC) and Cork University Hospital (CUH).
This will benefit those staying at the various student complexes along the route, as well as hotel and guesthouse owners on the way, he said.
“This should be of benefit to UCC when it is hosting conventions, as well as for all students and visitors in general,” Mr Hogan said. “All in all, this a positive move for public transport in Cork, providing connectivity that has been sadly missing.”
Mr Hogan and his wife, Christine, started West Cork Tours Ltd in 2003 offering day tours from Cork city to Blarney Castle, Kinsale, Cobh and west Cork.
He spotted an opportunity and applied for a licence to operate an express bus service to the city linking with the main hotels.
The licence came through in early 2006 and Skylink, Airport Express began operations in June that year.
