Class D license holders needed across 13 locations as public transport expands
Bus Éireann, Ireland’s national bus service, is recruiting part-time drivers across 13 locations nationwide, offering a minimum wage of €21.26 per hour for qualified candidates.
The positions are available in Athlone, Ballina, Cavan, Cork, Donegal (Stranorlar), Drogheda, Dublin, Dundalk, Galway, Limerick, Sligo, Tralee, and Waterford.
Required Qualifications:
- Full, clean Class D Irish driver’s license
- Valid Category B driving license held for minimum 2 years with no endorsements
- Digital tachograph card
- Irish CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence) for public service vehicle drivers
- Strong customer service skills
- Enthusiastic attitude
The recruitment drive supports Bus Éireann’s efforts to expand service capacity as public transport demand increases amid government commitments to sustainable mobility and reduced car dependency.
The €21.26 hourly minimum wage significantly exceeds Ireland’s general minimum wage of €12.70, reflecting the specialized skills, qualifications, and responsibilities required for professional bus driving.
Part-time positions offer flexibility for drivers seeking supplementary income, work-life balance, or transitioning into public transport careers without full-time commitments initially.
The nationwide recruitment across 13 locations demonstrates Bus Éireann’s capacity challenges and expansion plans, particularly in regional centers where public transport options historically lagged urban areas.
Candidates must possess a Class D license specifically for driving buses and coaches, requiring specialized training and testing beyond standard passenger vehicle licenses. The two-year Category B requirement ensures drivers have established safe driving records before operating larger vehicles.
The digital tachograph card records driving hours, breaks, and rest periods, ensuring compliance with EU regulations protecting driver welfare and road safety by preventing fatigue-related incidents.
The Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) for public service vehicle drivers requires periodic training maintaining professional standards and updating drivers on regulations, safety procedures, and customer service.
The emphasis on customer service skills reflects Bus Éireann’s recognition that drivers serve as frontline representatives, interacting with passengers throughout journeys and often serving as first points of contact for route information, accessibility assistance, and service queries.
The recruitment comes as Ireland invests heavily in public transport infrastructure, including BusConnects projects in Cork and Dublin, MetroLink development, and expanded regional services aimed at reducing car dependency and meeting climate targets.
Driver shortages have constrained service expansions across Irish public transport, with operators competing for qualified candidates in tight labor markets. The competitive hourly rate and part-time flexibility aim to attract candidates balancing multiple commitments.
Interested candidates can find more information and apply at: https://careers.buseireann.ie/job/part-time-bus-driver-weekend-nationwide-2026-5760635
The positions offer entry into public sector employment with potential pathways to full-time roles, pension benefits, and career advancement within Bus Éireann’s operations across Ireland.
The timing coincides with increased Christmas and New Year travel demand, potentially requiring additional drivers to maintain service levels during peak periods.
Successful applicants will undergo comprehensive training on Bus Éireann’s fleet, routes, procedures, and customer service standards before commencing passenger services, ensuring safety and service quality.
The recruitment reflects broader Irish public transport expansion efforts as the government pursues modal shift from private vehicles toward buses, trains, and active travel to reduce emissions, congestion, and transport costs for households.