Ireland’s public transport operators are launching international recruitment drives to hire drivers from overseas as the sector faces a critical shortage ahead of the BusConnects programme expansion.
Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus are preparing to recruit foreign drivers this autumn, with Ireland needing at least 2,000 additional drivers over the next few years to meet the demands of the National Transport Authority (NTA) and the Department of Education’s school transport scheme.
Representatives from Dublin Bus, Go-Ahead Ireland and the NTA revealed the recruitment plans during an Oireachtas Transport Committee hearing. The operators are seeking drivers with D licences—required for public service vehicles—through advertising campaigns and in conjunction with departmental task forces.
Bus Éireann is running a nationwide campaign as services are set to expand significantly over the next three years. The company hired 500 new staff last year but continues to face driver shortages, with Cork experiencing the most acute challenge. The city currently has a significant driver deficit, with additional recruits needed early next year for BusConnects.
Dublin Bus CEO Billy Hann said his company has recruited over 1,000 drivers since January 2022 at a rate of approximately 400 annually, but the shortage persists. He confirmed Dublin Bus will travel to South Africa to recruit drivers, prioritising those with D licences but also accepting candidates with standard B licences, though their training will take longer and cost more.
The school transport scheme, operated by Bus Éireann for over 57 years, now serves more than 178,000 pupils daily across 10,600 routes—a 50% increase since 2018. The number of school transport tickets has risen 5% compared to last year.
Approximately 200 drivers, including many from the Indian community, have already arrived in Ireland from countries including Poland, Malta, Portugal and Spain, securing positions in the public transport sector. Those currently working in Europe with appropriate driving licences are being given priority consideration.
Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien confirmed he is working with Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan on legislation to establish a uniformed security transport unit with powers of arrest and detention.