Watchdog welcomes conviction for bid-rigging school transport tenders

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission chair Brian McHugh has welcomed a decision to convict five men of engaging in anto-competitive practice regarding a tender competition for publicly funded school transport services in the south-west.

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has welcomed a decision to convict five men of engaging in anto-competitive practice regarding a tender competition for publicly funded school transport services in the south-west.

A jury at the Central Criminal Court on Thursday found the men had attempted to distort competition in the market. The offences took place between 2014 and 2016.

The five defendants were Raymond Heney, aged 54, of Camas, Cashel; Andrew Walsh, aged 62, of Derrymore, Roscrea; Noel Browne, aged 77, of Bansha; Larry Hickey, aged 73, of Ardmayle, Cashel, and Anthony Flynn, aged 51, of Golden Road, Cashel. Each had pleaded not guilty.

Mr Justice David Keane remanded all five on continuing bail ahead of a sentencing hearing on March 23, 2026.

The CCPC opened an investigation in 2016 following a complaint alleging cartel behaviour in the publicly funded school transport sector in the south-west region.

The allegations investigated claims of anti-competitive conduct between independent transport contractors in order to prevent, restrict, or distort competition.  The Competition Act prohibits anti-competitive agreements, decisions, and concerted practices, where competitors illegally agree on who will win a tender.

“Cartels have a hugely detrimental effect on competition, on law-abiding businesses, and ultimately on taxpayers and consumers, who face paying higher prices and reduced choice," said CCPC chair Brian McHugh.

“Today’s verdict sends a clear message that anti-competitive behaviour will not be tolerated. It’s a reminder to anyone involved in cartel conduct, or considering it, that the CCPC remains committed to taking robust action against such practices to protect fair competition and consumers.”

Each of the defendants had operated bus or taxi services bringing children to and from school. The trial heard that all of the accused were involved in the process of bidding for tenders to provide school bus routes through Bus Éireann, which derived 54% of its turnover from school transport.

The jury heard that Mr Heney would arrange to hold meetings in order to provide services and assistance in dealing with administrative processes in bidding for tenders. Mr Heney would invite other bus operators, and the prosecution alleged they would then discuss the allocation and pricing of the school bus routes.

It was the prosecution's case that the people involved would only bid on tenders in a certain way, rather than doing so independently, with a “degree of coordination” between the parties.