The leading representative body for the commercial bus and coach sector in Ireland, the Coach Tourism & Transport Council of Ireland (CTTC) has been formally appointed to the roll of nominating bodies for the Seanad Éireann elections. The Council has been admitted as a nominating body to the Industrial and Commercial Panel.
The CTTC’s designation as a nominating body means that, at the next Seanad elections, the CTTC will have the right to nominate a candidate to contest the election on the Industrial and Commercial Panel, providing the potential opportunity for the sector to contribute to national policymaking through the Seanad electoral process.
The coach tourism and bus sector plays a vital role in Ireland’s strategic connectivity, inbound tourism, and economic activity across Ireland. The commercial bus and coach sector carries more than 85 million passengers each year, supports approximately 11,000 jobs, and contributes over €600 million to the Irish economy.
Should a CTTC-nominated candidate be elected when the elections are next expected to take place in 2030, this will only serve to strengthen engagement between policymakers and the organisation, contributing to more informed, practical, and sustainable bus policy outcomes. As a nominating body, the CTTC looks forward to working closely with its members to identify and support candidates who can effectively represent the sector.
Commenting on the announcement, Chairperson David Conway said: “The CTTC welcomes confirmation that the organisation has been admitted to the roll of nominating bodies for the Seanad Éireann elections and looks forward to engaging with prospective candidates ahead of the next elections. This recognition reflects the importance of the commercial bus and coach sector in supporting regional and urban connectivity, tourism, and economic activity across Ireland.
With important challenges confronting the sector, and the increasing impacts of geopolitical developments, we need a voice advocating for us at the highest levels of government, to support the impactful efforts being made by the CTTC in its day-to-day advocacy. The next Seanad elections will present a valuable opportunity and we look forward to putting forward candidates for that process.”