Cork bus drivers forced to delay leave over chronic shortages

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

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.