Comments attributable to David Conway, Chairperson of the CTTC
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The Coach Tourism and Transport Council (CTTC) has welcomed the Government’s indication that targeted supports are being finalised for sectors facing acute cost pressures arising from rising fuel prices and continued international instability linked to the conflict in the Middle East.
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In recent weeks, the CTTC, Ireland’s largest representative body for the commercial bus and coach sector, has made direct representations to Government highlighting the severe pressure facing licensed operators, with fuel price increases adding significant cost burdens across scheduled services, school transport, tourism, private hire and contracted passenger services.
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Based on analysis by the CTTC, a 40 cent per litre increase in fuel costs represents an estimated additional annual burden of approximately €10 million for scheduled commercial services alone, with the wider impact across the full sector potentially significantly higher when school transport, private hire and tourism operations are included. The announcement that supports will be made available next week is therefore a welcome and important development for businesses nationwide.
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There are clear precedents for Government intervention during periods of fuel market volatility, including:
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Temporary fuel-related support measures for transport operators during previous periods of exceptional price pressure;
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Fuel variation mechanisms applied to public service and school transport contracts; and
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Targeted rebate arrangements introduced to help maintain service continuity.
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The Government’s announcement is an important acknowledgement of the very real pressures facing operators across the country. Fuel costs have escalated sharply in a short period of time, and for many businesses operating on tight margins, targeted support is now essential to protect service continuity, particularly in rural and regional areas. The CTTC looks forward to seeing the detail of the measures and continuing engagement with the Government in the days ahead to ensure the supports are fit for purpose.