Cork bus drivers forced to delay leave over chronic shortages

Bus Éireann had to take extra measures over the summer to maximise the availability of drivers in Cork city. File Picture: Larry Cummins.

A chronic shortage of bus drivers has forced Bus Éireann to delay driver annual leave this summer in a bid to maintain current services.

There are now fears that the introduction of an expanded bus network in Cork city — a key element of the massive BusConnects project — could be at risk because of the recruitment and retention issues.

Bus Éireann is struggling to hire and retain drivers nationally, with the driver shortage worst in Cork — where the company is short at least 35 drivers and mechanics.

It has now emerged that the company had to take extra measures over the summer to maximise the availability of drivers in the city to keep things on track, including:

• Delaying planned annual leave until after the peak summer period;
• Operating services as overtime either before or after a driver’s daily duties;
• Operating services as rest day overtime;
• And the use of contract vehicles.

Launched by the National Transport Authority almost two years ago, the new network aims to deliver:

• An overall increase of 53% in bus services in Cork;
• Two 24-hour bus services — one running from Ovens/Ballincollig to the city centre and Mahon, and the other running from Carrigaline to the city centre and Hollyhill;
• And seven all-day high frequency bus routes, with services running every 15 minutes or better — more during peak periods — and new bus services to previously unserved areas such as Upper Glanmire, Waterfall, and Kerry Pike.

However, correspondence from Transport Minister Eamon Ryan confirms that while the National Transport Authority wants to begin the phased implementation of the new network this year, it is subject to availability of the necessary funding and other resources — primarily drivers.

He said changes to the work permits system were made in late 2022, helping to ease the recruitment challenges in the transport sector with the establishment of a quota of 1,500 employment permits for bus and coach drivers.

“Despite this effort, many operators in the transport sector have experienced difficulties in recruiting new drivers,” Mr Ryan said.

“In recent months, staff levels are beginning to improve gradually.

“Additional drivers are expected to become available once their required training and tests are complete and licences are issued by the Road Safety Authority (RSA).”

Green Party councillor Oliver Moran said that the shortage problem 'is particularly acute at Capwell'. File picture: Darragh Kane

The National Transport Authority has also engaged with the RSA to fast-track the testing and licence issue process for new bus drivers.

However, Cork Green Party councillor Oliver Moran said it is clear that Bus Éireann is under severe pressure in Cork to deliver current services.

“Yes, there’s a national shortage of drivers. But the problem is particularly acute at Capwell, and will make the planned expansion of the city’s public transport network impossible unless the problems are resolved,” Mr Moran said.

“Placing the burden of that on existing drivers, requiring them to give up on annual leave or work longer, isn’t a sustainable answer or something that will make the job any more attractive for people. Leaving commuters and city residents standing at bus stops is no solution either.”