‘Why are we relying on Limerick’s hand-me-downs?’: Concern that Cork is reliant on second hand buses

A Cork TD has expressed concern that Cork is reliant on second hand buses from Limerick, describing them as “hand-me-downs”.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has not purchased any new diesel-only buses since July 2019, and as Cork has no charging infrastructure, it cannot use electric buses.

In 2020, Cork got eight buses from Limerick, followed by 21 in 2021, three in 2022, none in 2023, and 17 in 2024, NTA data shows.

A spokesperson for the NTA said the installation “is large scale construction work which requires significant portions of the relevant depot space to be freed up”.

Bus Éireann only has one Cork depot at Capwell, which is currently operating above its capacity, meaning it “cannot afford to lose any portion of the site to enable depot electrification works”.

Instead, the NTA is funding Bus Éireann to develop a temporary bus depot in Tivoli Docks which will allow buses to move out of Capwell so it can be electrified, the spokesperson said.

“The temporary depot at Tivoli had to go through a full planning process, and a full public procurement process was subsequently required to award a contract for its construction.

“It is nonetheless now on course to be completed in Q1, 2026. Its completion then allows the electrification at Capwell to begin, following which electric buses can be provided for Cork operations.”

Limerick’s depot had sufficient space available to allow some parts to be handed over to an electrification contractor, meaning a temporary depot was not required and the electrification proceeded more quickly, with 70 chargers now installed there.

“These buses, which are described by deputy [Thomas] Gould as ‘second hand’ and ‘hand-me-downs’, are in fact state-of-the-art plug-in hybrid double-deck buses that provide exceptional driver and passenger comfort, exceed all regulatory requirements in relation to accessibility and are outshopped in the latest Transport For Ireland colour scheme, both externally and internally.

“The oldest of these buses entered service less than four years ago, with the majority of those cascading across from Limerick only having entered service during 2022.”

The Sinn Féin TD said that more than 20 routes are operated by Bus Éireann in Cork City compared with just nine in Limerick City, asking: “Why are we now relying on Limerick’s hand me downs?

“It is very clear that this system won’t work.”