Five deny anti-competitive practices in school transport services

The five bus and taxi operators pleaded not guilty at the Central Criminal Court to offences under the Competition Act 2002. File picture

Five bus and taxi operators have gone on trial accused of anti-competition practices in the provision of school transport services across five counties.

All five pleaded not guilty on Tuesday at the Central Criminal Court to offences under the Competition Act 2002. 

The single charge against each accused alleges that between November 1, 2014, and December 31, 2016, they engaged in a concerted practice which had as its object or effect the prevention, restriction or distortion of competition in trade in the provision of school transport services.

The prosecution is being taken by the Competition Authority and the trial is expected to last up to six weeks.

Mr Justice David Keane empanelled a jury of seven men and five women to hear the trial. 

Mr Justice Keane said that during the relevant period, the accused men operated businesses providing school bus and transport services in Limerick, Tipperary, Clare, South Galway, and Waterford.

The allegation is that they engaged in wrongdoing in connection with those businesses, the judge said.

The accused, who all have addresses in Co Tipperary, are Andrew Walsh, of Derrymore, Roscrea; Raymond Heney, aged 54, of Camas, Cashel; Noel Browne, of Bansha; Larry Hickey, aged 73, of Ardmayle, Cashel; and Anthony Flynn, aged 51, of Golden Rd, Cashel.