The National Transport Authority (NTA ), An Gardaí Síochána and public transport operators have outlined the comprehensive transportation plan and road closure system to be put in place for the Visit of Pope Francis.
The Pontiff visits Knock on Sunday August 26 and a number of road closures will come into place before his visit to Knock. From 6pm on Saturday August 25 the centre of Knock Village will be closed (except to residents ) and the N17 between Charlestown and Claremorris will be closed from 12 midnight on Saturday August 25, until at least 3pm on Sunday August 26. For those who live and work near Knock, a business and community liaison team is in place to handle queries, working closely with Claremorris Garda Station.
Those traveling to the event are asked to join a parish or community coach group or carpool where possible, as car park spaces are limited and may be some walking distance from the Shrine. Coaches have a designated parking area on the N17. This will result in the shortest distance to walk to and from the Knock Shrine via a short walkway.
There is a considerable walk from the car parks due to the size, scale and location of the event and there will be no shuttle bus facility available between car parks and the event site. If cars are necessary, carpooling and car sharing is essential.
Iarnród Éireann and Bus Éireann will be providing public transport for this event. A bus shuttle service will operate from Claremorris train station to take people to Knock shrine. For those who have a ticket for the event, the bus shuttle service will be free.
It will not be possible for the public to view Pope Francis arriving or departing due to security limitations. Those flying into and out of Ireland West Airport Knock on Sunday will have some access with strict limitations. Only those named on airline passenger lists and those transporting named passengers will be able to access the airport between 12 midnight on Saturday August 25 and 11.30am on Sunday August 26.
Outbound passengers in particular are advised to allow more travel time than usual as there will be a number of security checks on airport access routes.
