Bus Éireann is grappling with a severe shortage of drivers, forcing the company to delay annual leave for its Cork drivers this summer to ensure existing services continue running. This shortage has sparked concerns that the upcoming expansion of Cork’s bus network, a major part of the BusConnects project, could be in jeopardy.
According to Irishexaminer, The National Transport Authority (NTA) is working closely with the Road Safety Authority (RSA) to speed up the testing and licensing process for new drivers, aiming to address the growing recruitment and retention issues.
The lack of drivers has put significant pressure on the current workforce, raising fears about the sustainability of services as Cork’s bus network is set to expand. If the shortage continues, it could delay the much-anticipated improvements to the city’s public transport system.
Bus Éireann is now urgently trying to attract new drivers while supporting existing staff, but the situation remains challenging as they strive to meet the demands of both current and future services.