Concern expressed over ability to deliver Cork BusConnects project

Concerns have been raised locally about the National Transport Authority’s (NTA) ability to deliver on the Cork City BusConnects project.

It comes following a meeting between Bus Éireann management, the NTA, and local representatives on Monday, during which concerns about a shortfall in bus drivers in Cork were raised.

Last month, Bus Éireann released new timetables for the 202, 202a, 205, 208, and 220 routes which will see 872 fewer bus journeys each week across Cork city, which the company said will temporarily improve punctuality and service delivery.

However, local representatives have questioned whether Bus Éireann will get the drivers needed to return to full service on each of the routes, with further concerns raised about the delivery of BusConnects.

Challenges

Speaking to The Echo, Sinn Féin TD for Cork North Central, Thomas Gould, said: “Of all the bus services in the country, Cork has what they [Bus Éireann] call the most challenges and they said that the biggest reason for that is because they can’t get drivers to come to Cork because they can’t get accommodation.

“They said the housing crisis is worse in Cork than it is in Dublin, and that’s one of the reasons they can’t get drivers to come here. So, that just tells you how bad things are in Cork.

“They could need another 150 to 200 drivers to deliver BusConnects, and that is supposed to be starting this time next year. But if you can’t get enough drivers to look after the bus service at the moment, how are you going to get the bus drivers to deliver BusConnects?”

Mr Gould also raised concerns about the costs of BusConnects to date, saying the project is “dead in the water” unless drivers can be recruited.

Labour Party councillor for Cork City North East and general election candidate for Cork North Central John Maher said he is also doubtful about the delivery of BusConnects.

“We are told that we need BusConnects to happen,” he said. 

“However, we also were told by the National Transport Authority at the meeting that BusConnects needs an additional 160 drivers over three phases, so that’s 80, 30 and 50 drivers for each phase respectively. We can’t even get 16 drivers.

“We went out to communities and we sold the dream and now we’re not going to deliver. I don’t believe BusConnects will deliver for the communities of Cork.”

Phases

A spokesperson for Bus Éireann told The Echo that the first of three phases of BusConnects, which is planned for implementation by Q4 2025, will require approximately 80 drivers.

The spokesperson said the exact number of additional drivers required is not yet known, however, the full complement will not be required until phase-three implementation, subject to funding, in 2026.

Acknowledging what they described as short-term challenges for the recruitment of both drivers, as well as mechanics, the spokesperson said that driver open days are continuously being held in Cork, with further dates set to be announced soon.

“We encourage anyone who has an interest in becoming a bus driver and wants to find out more about the opportunities on offer to attend our open days or visitcareers.buseireann.ie,” they said.