Bus drivers over 70 years

The Ballybay-Clones Municipal District is to write again to Bus Éireann to press for a review of the upper age limit for school bus drivers, following what members described as an unsatisfactory response to earlier correspondence.

The issue arose at a recent meeting during discussion of a reply from Bus Éireann’s Regional School Transport Manager, Siobhán Griffin, dated February 23. The correspondence reiterated the company’s current policy that school bus drivers must retire at 70 years of age.

According to the response: 'The retirement age for school bus drivers has been set by Bus Éireann at 70 years of age, which also applies to all Bus Éireann passenger services.'

It further stated that the policy applies across the School Transport Scheme, including private operators, and is “grounded in the best safety interests of our customers including young children, our drivers and other road users".

Bus Éireann added that its position reflects “operational experience” and consultation with stakeholders such as the Road Safety Authority, maintaining that the current limit balances safety with operational needs.

However, Cathaoirleach Sinéad Flynn (SF) said the stance fails to address ongoing driver shortages. Proposing that the MD issue a second letter, she argued that medically fit, qualified drivers over 70 should not be excluded.

“It simply doesn’t make sense, there is a shortage of drivers and drivers that are available and capable of doing the job are prevented… the focus should be on those who are fit, qualified and willing to work,” she said.

Her proposal, seconded by Cllr Pat Treanor (SF), was agreed.

Bus Éireann noted that a Government commitment has been made to assess the feasibility of removing the age restriction, with a safety review currently underway in consultation with the Department of Education and Youth.