Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Hann. I invite Ms Dervla McKay to make her opening statement on behalf of Go-Ahead Ireland.

I thank the Cathaoirleach. Good afternoon. My name is Dervla McKay, and I am the managing director of Go-Ahead Ireland. I am joined today by my colleague, Niamh Swords, who is director of operations. We want to thank the committee for the invitation to today’s session to discuss issues facing the public transport industry alongside our fellow public transport operators in Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann, and the CTTC.

Go-Ahead Ireland recently marked five years in service operations in the greater Dublin area, an achievement we are very proud of. In that time, we have grown to a team of more than 800 colleagues, running 33 routes, including five commuter routes. In 2023, we reported a 33% increase in passenger numbers, the highest percentage increase in the capital. Our commuter services also carried over 2 million passengers in 2023, a 54% year-on-year increase and one of the highest outside of Dublin city centre.

Since our last presentation to the committee in November 2023, we have been busy with continued investment in our local communities, as evidenced by our contract renewal with Dublin GAA. We have taken into consideration passenger feedback on southern orbital routes and have made relevant changes to improve reliability on those routes. We have launched a recruitment campaign for the next stage of our business’s growth ahead of the next phase launch of BusConnects.

In terms of issues facing Go-Ahead Ireland as a public transport operator, we have previously spoken with the committee on issues including the certificate of professional competence and the time it takes for a fully trained bus driver to receive theirs. While the turnaround times remain largely the same as before and have not regressed, there has not been much improvement in this regard and as a result trained drivers are still slow to begin driving on routes. We continue to enjoy a positive relationship with the RSA with the service of our passengers as our shared priority and we are continuing to explore additional guidance and improvements to address existing challenges.

With regard to recruitment, our efforts are ongoing concerning driver positions where we are making continued progress. However, like other operators and the overall transport sector, we have noted a lower level of available qualified HGV mechanics. While this is currently having a limited impact, it remains a live area of concern. We are taking steps now in terms of our ongoing recruitment campaigns and our apprenticeship scheme to sustain a future pipeline of suitably qualified and trained technical experts.

Out on our routes, other operators will likely touch on the issue of traffic congestion in the city centre and Go-Ahead Ireland is not immune to this issue. The result of improper use of bus lanes combined with overcrowded streets due to car use means that the punctuality of our services can be affected and our passengers are ultimately the ones who suffer. Moving the population towards more sustainable modes of transport, including public transport like bus services, is a goal that Go-Ahead Ireland shares with other public transport operators and indeed with the Government and this committee. However, it is a goal that becomes very difficult to deliver when buses are only able to move as fast as cars or must share road space with cars. The negative effect this has on our ability to deliver punctual and reliable services cannot be overstated.

Despite the issues laid out this afternoon, Go-Ahead Ireland remains ambitious and optimistic about the second half of 2024 in terms of the level and breadth of services we will provide to our passengers. We are confident in our ability to deliver accessible and reliable public transport services. We are grateful for the opportunity to speak to the committee this afternoon about the current issues impacting public transport and how Government and industry can best collaborate to meet the needs of the communities and passengers we are all proud to serve. Go raibh maith agaibh.