Great day for commuters, group claims

THE controversial McCarthy recommendation to sell off state transport services should be seen as “a great day” for long-suffering commuters, a private transport group has claimed.

The Coach Tourism and Transport Council, which represents private bus and coach operators, said the plans could revolutionise the country’s transport sector.

“At last, we can look forward to a proper public transport system in Ireland, without the CIÉ monkey on our backs,” said chief executive Gerry Mullins.

“Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus together cost too much money, and their presence hampers the development of quality bus services in Ireland.

“For nearly 80 years, Ireland has poured billions of euro into this failed system. The result is one of the most car-dependent societies in the developed world.”

The group has described the recommendations as the start of a “better public transport model” likely to involve “a far greater use of private operators”.

It claimed such a move will increase competitiveness in the sector and as a result, improve standards as firms cannot assume their passengers will not go elsewhere.

Mr Mullins said further cuts can be made throughout the transport system.

“Mr McCarthy calls for the disposal of CIÉ Tours International. We agree. Why should the state be running a coach touring company?

“Mr McCarthy calls for the disposal of Expressway and other bus businesses competing directly with private operators. We have called for this for years. Why should the state spend borrowed money from Europe in order to compete with an Irish company that pays tax to it? Mr McCarthy calls for a limit to the level of public subsidy, presumably for the CIÉ companies. We believe the annual payment of €49 million given to Bus Éireann per year, and €83m to Dublin Bus is a waste of taxpayers’ money.”

Mr Mullins said the group will be pressing for the Government to introduce the measures in full over the coming months.

However, any potential move is likely to face opposition from public transport service groups and unions whose members’ employment could be in jeopardy if the plans are implemented.

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