Statement by Minister Donohoe following meeting with bus company unions

15th December, 2014

Following a meeting today (Monday) between the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe TD, and the SIPTU, NBRU and TSSA bus unions, during which the opening up of 10% of the bus market to competitive tender was discussed, Minister Donohoe said: ‘I am committed to supporting a well-funded public transport system into the future, recognising the vital role it plays in our economy and society generally’.

 

“I have pledged to avoid further reductions in the Public Service Obligation (PSO) funding and ensured that in Budget 2015 PSO funding for bus and rail services was maintained at current levels. This is the first time this has happened since 2008. I also recently secured €110 million for public transport as part of the Supplementary Estimate for my Department.

 

“However, I believe that this level of support should be given in conjunction with an appropriate degree of competitive tension within the market, in the interests of quality and cost effective bus services for users. This is why I am committed to the tendering of 10% of bus routes. Furthermore, I believe that the Labour Relations Commission is the appropriate mechanism for the further discussion of specific issues relating to the implementation of this policy.”

 

Ends