Bus stations at heart of commission competition probe

Bus stations and bus shelters built with state funds for Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann may be forced to allow their competitors to use the facilities also.

The European Commission is investigating a complaint from the Irish Coach Tourism and Transport Council first lodged seven years ago complaining that state money going to CIÉ was unfair state aid.

Access to bus stations by private companies forms part of the investigation, competition commissioner Joaquim Almunia told Fine Gael MEP Jim Higgins.

“On the basis of available information, it appears that investment grants have been used for the upgrading of passenger facilities such as bus stations and bus stops of Bus Éireann and the garages for the parking and maintenance of bus fleets of Dublin Bus,” Mr Almunia said in a written reply.

The commission expressed doubts regarding the compatibility of such grants. In its final analysis, the commission will notably take into consideration the fact that these stations are not opened to competitors, he said.

The commission said it will make a decision on issue as soon as possible, but they need more information from the Irish authorities.

Mr Higgins said he believes the Commission is uneasy over the grants provided to Dublin Bus for the upgrading of bus maintenance facilities.

“Public monies were used to build bus stations, which are not available for use by private operators. My own view is that this is not in compliance with EU state-aid rules, and that is why I am continuing to push the matter at EU level,” he said.