Councillor calls for new Dublin Airport bus service to come to Westport

A WESTPORT councillor has called for the new Citylink/GoBus service from Castlebar to Dublin Airport to be extended on to Westport.

Last month, private bus companies, Citylink and GoBus, announced a new joint bus service from Castlebar to Dublin Airport serving Claremorris, Tuam, Athlone (TUS), Dublin City and on to the airport. The new route, which comes into effect from September 25, is accessible seven days a week with six return journeys per day.

The route was officially launched by Minister of State, Jack Chambers on September 1 and was welcomed by Castlebar-based councillors.

However, Westport-based Independent councillor Christy Hyland told the monthly meeting of Mayo County Council that he would like to see the service extended onto Westport.

“I would want the service extended ten minutes over the road on the new dual carriageway to Westport. We have a major tourist footfall with large numbers coming each weekend from Dublin Airport. I would ask the council to talk to the executives in GoBus to provide that service for us in Westport,” he said.

Castlebar-based councillor Blackie Gavin welcomed the new route saying that it will be a great boost to the county town and that it is something they have been crying out for in the town for years.

Fellow Castlebar councillor Ger Deere also welcomed the new service, before poking a dig at his Westport colleagues.

“I am glad we are leading the way in Castlebar compared to Westport with having the Lime bikes first and now the GoBus,” he quipped.