Bus firm action over Dempsey decision

A PRIVATE bus company has begun legal proceedings in the High Court aimed at overturning a decision of Transport Minister Noel Dempsey to alter an existing passenger road service from Swords to Dublin, the 41X bus route.

The action is being taken by Digital Messenger Limited trading as Swords Express of Lower Grand Canal Street, Dublin 2, against the minister, with Dublin Bus named as a notice party to the proceedings.

Mr Frank Callanan SC for Swords Express said it was a matter of commercial urgency for the company as they were being put out of business. He said the minister has unlawfully permitted the alteration of an existing passenger route.