Lack of 24/7 shuttle between airport and Cork city slammed 

The National Transport Authority (NTA) is being asked by Cork County Council to establish a shuttle bus link from the airport as Cork is one of the few cities in Europe which hasn’t got one. Pic: Karol Kachmarsky

The “ridiculous” lack of a 24/7 direct shuttle bus service from Cork Airport to the city centre is having a negative impact on the region's tourism, councillors have claimed.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) is being asked by Cork County Council to establish a shuttle bus link from the airport as Cork is one of the few cities in Europe which hasn’t got one.

Fianna Fáil councillor Seamus McGrath said the airport needs a dedicated service, especially as this year it has seen an 11% increase in passenger numbers and is expected to hit three million.

“Cork's the fastest growing airport in the country and it’s difficult to believe there’s no dedicated shuttle service. It needs to be a 24/7 one to cater for the needs of people who are going and coming from work there as well,” Mr McGrath said.

There were also calls for it to connect to the train station.

Fianna Fail councillor Gillian Coughlan said the bus that runs from the city to Kinsale and back does make a stop at the airport, but it can’t handle both and is not a dedicated shuttle.

Mayor of County Cork Fianna Fail councillor Joe Carroll said that he would write to the NTA asking it to send senior officials to attend a council meeting to address this and other issues with bus services in Cork.

Meanwhile, the council is to write to the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage asking it to reduce the “astronomical cost” of a licence for sandwich board advertising.

Independent councillor Ger Curley said the current annual fee is €630 per board and got unanimous support from colleagues to have it reduced to €50.

“Over 60 bars and restaurants in Cork have closed since the pandemic. It’s another tax on struggling businesses,” he said.

Fine Gael councillor Sinead Sheppard described the €630 charge as “astronomical" but cautioned it also needs to be ensured that towns are not "flooded” with sandwich boards.