Dermot Hession, whose idea to introduce reverse vending machines in bus stations across the country, was celebrated at the 2022 annual Bus Éireann GEM (Go the Extra Mile ) Awards. The awards acknowledge the dedication, exceptional service and heroic efforts of its employees across the country.
Bus Éireann’s Galway team was celebrated with Dermot Hession recognised for a Bright Idea Award, a category that recognises employees for coming up with suggestions and solutions to improve the business. With a growing emphasis on sustainability and carbon reduction within Bus Éireann, Dermot sparked the ‘bright idea’ of reverse vending recycling machines.
Reverse vending machines assist in reducing single use plastics, while helping Ireland meet EU targets and promote a wider circular economy. The first ever reverse vending machine was introduced in Letterkenny bus station in July and a second soon followed in Busáras, Dublin. Bus Éireann is one of the first transport operators in Ireland to introduce reverse vending machines in their transport hubs. There’s also a charity element to the initiative, €6,000 was donated to Grow Mental Health for the duration of the successful trial.
“2022 has been an exceptionally busy year for Bus Éireann with passenger numbers at an all-time high. I want to recognise the outstanding contribution of Bus Éireann employees in connecting people with who and what matters to them throughout the year,” said Stephen Kent, Chief Executive Officer, Bus Éireann.
“The GEM Awards celebrate the exceptional contributions of Bus Éireann employees for our passengers, our services and for their colleagues. Bus Éireann operates in every corner of the country with city and town services, inter-city and inter-regional routes provided by Expressway, rural stage carriage services and our extensive school transport network. The GEM awards provide the perfect opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the continued dedication and performance of our staff who consistently ‘go the extra mile’ for our customers and for their colleagues, I want to congratulate all of those who have won and who have been nominated for GEM Awards in 2022.’’
