Cork bus drivers are not obliged to cancel holidays, says Bus Éireann

Bus Éireann has clarified that though its bus drivers in Cork have the option of cancelling their summer holidays along with working before or after their shifts and on their days off, this is not essential.

The company is short drivers and mechanics in Cork, putting further strain on an already struggling bus service in the county.

In a letter to Cork County Council, Minister Eamon Ryan said that “the nationwide shortage of drivers is significantly worse in the Cork area.” 

He explained that Bus Éireann employs 591 staff in Cork — 491 drivers, a maintenance team of 60, and 40 administration staff, but are 39 people short for operating at full service.

He explained: “During the summer months Bus Éireann will actively engage with staff to maximise the availability of drivers to make themselves available.” 

Drivers are being asked to “operate services as overtime either before or after their daily duties, operate services as rest day overtime and delay planned annual leave until after the peak summer period.” 

A spokesperson for Bus Éireann has clarified that cancellation of planned annual leave is only optional.

They told The Echo: “Bus Éireann drivers in Cork have the option of postponing their annual leave, but this is not compulsory.

“Like other operators in the industry, we are dealing with short-term challenges for the recruitment of both drivers and mechanics.” 

They shared that they are mitigating this through ongoing recruitment campaigns including four upcoming open days and their B to D license school in Cork training regular drivers to become bus drivers.

Open days will be held from Thursday 22 to Sunday 25 August at Rochestown Park Hotel, Douglas, Cork from 10am to 8pm each day, with the company inviting D licence holders to attend and learn about the incentives on offer to join Bus Éireann.