Bus company Go-Ahead to create 400 new jobs after winning major new contract

Go-Ahead Ireland already employs 900 workers since beginning operations in 2018

Go-Ahead Group chief commercial officer Daniel Lewis; Go-Ahead Ireland managing director Dervla McKay; Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien, and Go-Ahead Ireland driver Ramona Mihai as the company announced 400 new roles in the greater Dublin area. Picture: Shane O’Neill/Coalesce

Bus company Go-Ahead Ireland is to create 400 new jobs after the company was awarded a major contract in Dublin. 

Go-Ahead Ireland has been awarded the National Transport Authority’s Outer Dublin Metropolitan Area North and South contract, which will see the transport operator service 65 routes through the company’s Ballymount, Ballycoolin, and Kilpedder locations.

Go-Ahead Ireland is part of the Go-Ahead Group, an international transport group established over 30 years ago. Since beginning operations in 2018, Go-Ahead Ireland has expanded and now employs 900 workers, operating 37 Public Service Obligation (PSO) routes, including five commuter services across Leinster. 

The company carried 22.5m passengers in 2024. 

The new roles span the entire Go-Ahead Ireland business, and will include drivers, mechanics, apprentices, support staff, and management. The new services will bring the total number of routes operated by GAI to 72 once mobilisation is complete.

Recruitment is now underway. At least 90 positions will be based in the company’s new satellite depot in Wicklow and will service operations in the county.

“The business has progressed steadily over the past several years, built on our commitment to provide reliable, accessible, and friendly public transport services, which has positioned us as the fastest growing bus operator in the region," said Go-Ahead Ireland managing director Dervla McKay.

“We also look forward to launching our largest depot yet in Northwest Business Park, Dublin 15, which will house the majority of our Dublin northside-based routes and play a central role in supporting our continued growth.”

Transport minister Darragh O’Brien said investment in public transport services and the commitment of operators such as Go-Ahead Ireland "go hand in hand in furthering the development of sustainable public transport that benefits communities”.