Minister of State Tony Killeen, T.D., has received confirmation from Bus Eireann that it has no imminent plans to axe its Miltown Malbay to Ennis service.The Fianna Fail T.D. for Clare said he had received the assurance from Bus Eireann Chief Executive Tim Hayes who noted that the entire bus network was under review due to falling passenger numbers and a potential EUR30 million financial deficit this year. Minister of State Killeen commented: “I have been informed by Bus Eireann that it has put in place a cost recovery plan that is designed to return the company to a position of financial strength through changes to terms and conditions and through services changes to routes that have low customer support - often less than five people per service. The company’s review of its nationwide network includes the Ennis to Miltown service, which it has no plans to end at this point. This is welcome news for the people who use the service, which provides an important link between the County Capital and West Clare.”
In a letter to Minister of State Killeen, Mr Hayes stated: “In recent years Bus Eireann had expanded its network of services across the country, including in the Clare area, in line with customer demand. However, due to the economic downturn, which has seen our passenger numbers fall by ten per cent. Bus Eireann is now facing a loss of up to EUR30m this year. As a responsible commercial semi-State company we must take action to address these losses in order to protect as many services and jobs as possible.
“Just as we grew services during the good times, we must now adjust our network in line with falling demand so that Bus Eireann can continue to provide transport to the considerable number of people throughout the country who use our services every day, while returning the company to a stronger financial position.
“I think it is important to note that we have not yet made any changes to the Miltown Malbay to Ennis service and there is not expected to be any change to the service in the short-term provided that we can get agreement from the trade unions for the required level of savings. If changes are introduced on the Miltown Malbay to Ennis service, we will inform customers and the public in advance of those changes coming into effect”, concluded Mr. Hayes.
