Just like buses, when one politican comes along, another is sure to follow. That was the case last week when Galway West TD and chairman of the Oireachtas Transport Committee Frank Fahey hit out at Fine Gael Senator Fidelma Healy Eames’ recent attacks on Bus Eireann.
Bus Eireann came in for stinging criticism from the Oranmore FG senator recently, with her accusing the national bus operator of pursuing a monopoly after Citylink pulled its Galway to Cork route.
Deputy Fahey said, “Senator Eames and Fine Gael are publically criticising Bus Eireann because Citylink ceased a route it was operating from Galway to Cork, via Limerick.
“Senator Healy Eames claims that Citylink quit the route because of unfair competition from Bus Eireann. That is unfair and unwarranted.
“The fact is, the fuel duty rebate is listed as the main factor behind Citylink’s withdrawal of service on this particular route. This is something that is heavily impacting on the financial position of all bus operators.”
“The Galway-Limerick-Cork route has been provided by Bus Eireann for many, many years and, prior to Citylink coming onto the route, Bus Eireann had built up a substantial level of business and continues to maintain loyal customer base.”
He added that Senator Eame’s claims that Citylink were put at a disadvantage by Bus Eireann price restrictions and additional buses were baseless.
“Fares charged by Citylink were, in the vast majority of cases, lower than those charged by Bus Eireann. And in reference to additional buses, it is a long standing practice of bus companies to operate extra buses, at busy times, so as to accommodate demand.
“That said, I have been informed by Bus Eireann that it has not introduced additional buses on this particular route since Citylink started its service, in fact it has reduced the number slightly.
“Citylink is a highly successful company and it serves the people of Galway well. The bus company is owned by a multinational company which made a profit last year of €126 million. This does not sound like a company which would be easily driven out of a route they wish to continue with.”
