Minister washes hands of Cavan bus problems

Problems with the local service are consistently raised.

The Transport Minister has said problems with Bus Éireann services in Cavan are the responsibility of the company to fix.

Eamon Ryan was responding to questions over ongoing issues with the Route 30 and X30 services in Co Cavan.

Users have consistently highlighted problems, with buses reported to be facing long delays and some not turning up at all.

Bus Éireann, which is owned by the State, has apologised for “challenges” with the service in recent weeks. It made the comments in a statement to The Anglo-Celt last month:

“We regret that there have been some challenges on our Expressway Route 30 (Dublin/Donegal), typically due to issues impacting driver availability, often at short notice. We have operated more than 95% of scheduled services on Route 30 over the past two weeks.”

READ: Cavan Bus Station reopens.

The issue was raised with Transport Minister Eamon Ryan in recent days by local TD Pauline Tully (SF). However, he said the problems are the responsibility of Bus Éireann as they are “commercial bus services” and not ones it has a public service obligation to operate.

“As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.

Further, Bus Éireann's Expressway services, including routes 30 and X30, are commercial bus services and as such responsibility for the operation of those services is a matter for the company. I have, therefore, referred the Deputy's question to Bus Éireann for direct reply.”