Age limit for Bus Éireann school bus drivers rises to 72

Eva Osborne

The maximum age limit for Bus Éireann school bus drivers has been increased, allowing eligible drivers to continue working until the age of 72.

This is two years beyond the previous limit.

Cork North West TD, John Paul O’Shea, said the decision was a "practical and common-sense move that will help ease ongoing pressures within the school transport system".

“This is a very welcome and long-overdue decision. For too long, experienced and fully qualified drivers were required to step away from their roles at the age of 70, regardless of their capability or medical fitness.

"That simply did not make sense, particularly at a time when we are facing real challenges around school transport capacity.”

O’Shea also said that, while the increase to 72 is a positive step, further consideration should be given to moving away from rigid age thresholds altogether.

“I believe there is still more work to be done. We should be moving towards a system that prioritises medical fitness and capability over arbitrary age limits. Many individuals in their early 70s are more than capable of carrying out this role safely and effectively.”

Senator Seán Kyne, Fine Gael’s candidate in the Galway West by-election, also welcomed the decision.

Kyne said the previous age restriction unfairly excluded experienced and medically fit drivers.

“We had a situation where fully qualified, experienced drivers were forced to step away at 70, regardless of their ability or medical fitness," he said.

“At a time when families across the country are struggling with school transport capacity, it simply makes no sense to sideline drivers who are willing and able to continue working."

Kyne echoed O'Shea's view on age limits overall.

This is an important step forward, but I believe we need to do more work to ensure the system focuses on medical fitness rather than an arbitrary age limit. Many drivers in their early 70s are more than capable of continuing safely in their roles.

“School bus drivers around the country play a vital role in rural Ireland, ensuring that children get safely to and from schools. Their experience and commitment should be recognised."