MINISTER MUST PUBLISH GRANT THORNTON REPORT ON BUS ÉIREANN

Labour spokesperson on transport, Brendan Ryan TD, has called on the Minister for Transport, Shane Ross, to ensure that the report on Bus Éireann by Grant Thornton is published, and clarity provided to both the travelling public and the workers on the future of Expressway and Bus Éireann.

“It is critical that Minister Ross publicly outline how he plans to tackle the escalating crisis at Bus Éireann and ensure that whatever action is taken is not on the backs of ordinary workers in the company.

“We have been warned of the possible financial collapse of Bus Éireann over the next 18 months, unless ‘decisive action’ is taken. A report by Grant Thornton outlines this and the Minister should ensure he receives a copy and publishes it immediately.

“Our national intercity public transport bus network should not be undermined further. Weakening public transport services by shutting down intercity routes – whether served by bus or train is the wrong path for Ireland.

“A public transport company is on the verge of collapse but we have seen no political leadership from the Minister on the issue.”

“Bus Éireann’s Expressway route provides a vital service to people in towns and villages right across Ireland, and these people should not be left behind. Nor should they be left in the dark over the future of the service. This Government constantly pays lip service to Rural Ireland with the new initiatives regularly floated, but cannot outline a plan to save existing services.

“While it’s clear that savings need to be made to address the massive losses at the company there should be engagement with all sides on the matter and I support the NBRU’s call for an open forum to discuss the issues that have led to the crisis. Workers and their representatives should not have to hear about plans for the company through leaked media reports nor should they bear the brunt of restructuring. I would like to see all parties sitting down across the table from each other, and working together to come up with solutions with will make the future of the company and this service more sustainable”