Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 647: To ask the Minister for Transport his views on whether there is an urgent need to have an effective transport system available from Ireland West Airport Knock in view of the new transatlantic flights announced recently; the plans his Department has put in place to ensure ease of transfer for passengers from the airport to the nearest towns and to connect to other public transport systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10441/07]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Last Thursday, March 15th, my colleague Pat the Cope Gallagher, T.D., Minister of State in my Department, announced his approval of the introduction by Bus Éireann of a number of new services and re-routing of existing services to serve Ireland West Airport Knock.

The Airport currently has a Bus Éireann air coach service to Charlestown, Co. Mayo which was launched in June 2004. The newly approved Bus Éireann routes via Ireland West Airport Knock include enhancing the existing Galway to Derry service to operate seven services Galway/Derry and six services Derry/Galway daily, all of which would operate via Ireland West Airport Knock. Two new daily return services from Sligo will be introduced along with one additional daily return service from Sligo to Galway that will operate via Ireland West Airport Knock. There will also be a daily 6.00am service from Letterkenny to Galway via the airport, and one daily return service from Westport.

In addition, this Government has provided substantial funds to improve road transport infrastructure in the region of Ireland West Airport since coming into office. The 16km Knock-Claremorris scheme on the N17 was completed in 2002. The 8 km N5 Strokestown-Longford scheme was completed in 2004. Phase one of the N26 Ballina-Bohola scheme (5km) was completed in December 2004. The 18 km Charlestown Bypass, which joins onto the Swinford bypass, is due for completion this time next year. Under Transport 21, the Government also proposes the re-opening of the Western Rail Corridor from Ennis to Claremorris, providing additional opportunities for public transport linkage to Ireland West Airport.

Further improvements are planned under the National Development Plan 2007 – 2013, including significant funding for roads which serve the airports main catchment area including bypasses for Tuam and Claregalway and phase 2 of the N26 Ballina to Bohola scheme (18 km) which is at final design stage.