Citylink secures licence for Cork to Galway route

A PRIVATE bus company has been given a licence to operate a service between Cork and Galway.

Citylink will take on Bus Éireann and operate up to 28 trips a day via Limerick using 13 coaches.

Two years ago, the Department of Transport refused to grant it a licence on the same route, citing a lack of demand.

But Citylink said it is the second busiest in the country because there is no rail link between the cities.

However, Cork-based Socialist Party city councillor, Mick Barry, criticised the awarding of a licence to a private company and described it as “creeping privatisation” that would hamper investment in Bus Éireann

But Bus Éireann confirmed 30 new buses will be rolled out on Cork city routes by mid-2007 under Transport 21. A spokesperson said the vehicles would boost frequency on city routes. She denied speculation that double-decker buses will be reintroduced.