A new bus route linking Haulbowline, Ringaskiddy, Carrigaline and Ballygarvan to Cork Airport will begin operating this Sunday. 

Bus Éireann, in conjunction with the National Transport Authority (NTA), yesterday announced the new 225 route will operate each day from 4am until 12.30am every 30 minutes.

Bus Éireann has ensured vehicles on this route will be low entry and fully wheelchair accessible. The new service has also created 33 new jobs.

Brian Gallagher, of Cork Airport, said the new service should have a positive impact on tourism: "We are delighted to support our partners Bus Éireann in expanding access to/from Cork Airport with their brand new Route 225. 

"We believe this route will appeal to both Irish residents and foreign tourists alike, and the improved access will be a great support to Cork Airport’s continued growth of passenger traffic into 2020".

Also announced was an enhanced bus service for the popular 216: Cork University Hospital – City Centre – Mount Oval.

The extended route will now include Passage West and Monkstown.

Martin Walsh, Regional Operations Manager, Bus Éireann Cork said: "Following on from a successful introduction of our 24 timetable on the Route 220, we are delighted to continue the enhancements of services in Cork city with the introduction of a brand new Route 225 service and enhancements to our Route 216 service".

This sentiment was echoed by Anne Graham, Chief Executive Officer of the NTA who said the services "will be of great benefit to customers in Cork."

The Route 225 and the service enhancements on Route 216 will be introduced on Sunday, November 3.