Foynes, County Limerick was the venue for the Coach Tourism & Transport Council (CTTC) AGM, which was held on 11 March. This was an election year in it’s cycle and outgoing Chairman Willie Martin handed over the chain of office to his successor David Conway. A full programme of events was organised for members, including a site visit to the Inver HVO Import facility at Foynes Port. Sponsored by Campion Insurance Group and Daimler Bus (Mercedes-Benz) the day ended with a Gala Dinner in the Woodlands House Hotel near Adare, attended by the Mayor of Limerick, John Moran and Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Niall Collins TD
Outgoing President, Willie Martin addressing those present at the AGM reflected on the achievement of the CTTC during his term as Chair. On the political front there was engagement with politicians in Europe, at Government and also at local level. Free parking has been achieved at the National Transport Authority (NTA) facility, and the issue of Dublin city parking has been amplified for major musical and sporting events. Matters surrounding the 12-day rule have been clarified and raising awareness around the advantages of using HVO fuel have been put on the political agenda. Many other issues are now firmly on the agenda for the future of the CTTC, a need to transfer more people from cars to buses, infrastructural development, including bus lanes. Political support for the use of HVO as an interim fuel for long distance coach travel was lobbied. Willie finished by thanking all those for their support, including members of the CTTC and especially his own family, who kept the show on the road.
David Conway is the incoming chair of the CTTC. He grew up in a family coach business, Conway Coaches of Limerick, from 2011 to 2023, and worked with the ComfortDelGro Corporation, with full P&L responsibility, and leading strategic growth for Irish Citylink and GoBus operations in Ireland and West bus coach services in London. In 2023, he established FlightLink, operating express coach routes to and from Dublin Airport. FlightLink currently operates two routes, Killarney to Dublin Airport and Ennis & Limerick to Dublin Airport.
Following his appointment, David outlined his plans. As I step into this role, my focus will be on three key priorities: securing Government support for fleet decarbonisation, expanding our membership base, and advocating for critical infrastructure improvements across all sectors, including tourism, school transport, and scheduled services.
- Securing Government Funding for Decarbonisation
“The transition to greener transport is essential, but it must be underpinned by meaningful financial support. My first priority will be to engage with the new Government to secure investment in decarbonisation initiatives. We will advocate for targeted grants and subsidies to help operators invest in electric vehicles (EVs) and alternative fuels like hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO).”
- Expanding Membership Base
“A stronger CTTC means a stronger voice for our industry. Growing our membership will allow us to better represent all operators, large and small, and ensure their needs are met at policy level. To achieve this, we will engage with operators nationwide to demonstrate the value of CTTC membership and also offer new resources and training opportunities to help members navigate regulatory and sustainability challenges. We aim to build partnerships with industry stakeholders to support business growth and innovation.”
- Advocating for Better Infrastructure Across the Industry
“The success of our industry depends on modern, efficient, and well-planned infrastructure. Whether it’s tourism, school transport, or scheduled services, investment in facilities is crucial. We will push for Improved coach parking and access at key locations, including city centres and major tourist attractions. Expansion of Quality Bus Corridors (QBCs) to enhance service reliability and efficiency. Greater investment in school transport, ensuring safe and sustainable travel for students. Inclusion of commercial operators in all Government fare discount schemes. The development of shared mobility hubs to facilitate a diversity of transport options for last mile transport.”
Guest Speakers
Event sponsors, Daimler Bus (Mercedes-Benz) and Campion Insurance were represented. David Hobson, Area Sales Manager for Daimler Bus highlighted the merits of the new tri-axle Tourismo Coach, which will be available for a short time as a demonstration vehicle. Sean Moloughney from Campion Insurances gave a presentation to operators about the Auto Enrolment and urged them not to leave it to the last minute to be prepared for the new legislation that will take affect later this year. Gerry Halissey, CEO of Foynes Port outlined some of the unique selling points of Foynes Port and the importance of coach operators to their development plans. Last year it welcomed six cruise ships, and the target is to get 30 per annum in the coming years. Ireland South MEP Cynthia Ni Mhurcu is a member of the transport committee in the EU Parliament. She promised to support the CTTC in all their work, mentioning parking and school bus drivers age. Later that evening Limerick City & County Mayor John Moran and Minister of State Niall Collins TD, attended a Gala Dinner.
Incoming Committee: David Conway (Chair) FlightLink, Limerick. Brendan Crowley (Vice-Chair) Wexford Bus, Wexford. John Halpenny, Halpenny Travel, Louth. James McGinley, John McGinley Travel, Donegal. Garrett O’Toole (Treasurer), Nolan Coaches, Dublin. Jeff Clarke, Eirebus, Dublin. JJ Kavanagh, JJ Kavanagh & Sons, Kilkenny. Willie Martin, Martins Coaches, Limerick. Feargal Barton, Barton’s Transport, Kildare. Mike Buckley, Kerry Coaches, Kerry. Damien Long, Dave Long Travel, Cork. New Committee members: Sarah Comer, Citylink. Michael Corduff, Corduff Travel. Kim Swan, Aircoach. Caoimhe Moloney, Pierce Kavanagh & Sons.
Report by Sean Murtagh, Fleet Bus & Coach magazine