From Chair of the Coach Tourism and Transport Council of Ireland, David Conway
- The Coach Tourism & Transport Council (CTTC) acknowledges tomorrow’s protest held in relation to the escalating cost of fuel, caused by the ongoing war in the Middle East, and the broader financial strain being experienced across the transport sector.
- There is no doubt that bus and coach operators are facing sustained and serious cost pressures, and are dealing with a very challenging operating environment.
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That said, the CTTC is not involved in the planning or coordination of this protest and we will not be taking part in it. We would ask protestors to keep bus lanes clear so that buses and coaches can move freely around the country and help keep Ireland moving.
- Our efforts remain firmly directed towards working with Government, in particular the Department of Finance, and the Department of Transport, to seek practical measures that will assist our members during this period of exceptional cost inflation.
- We recently held constructive discussions with the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, and further engagement is expected in the short term. These discussions are important, and we are continuing to make the case for targeted supports to help coach and bus operators manage the impact of rising fuel and operating costs.
- It is the CTTC’s objective to ensure that the voice of the coach and bus sector is heard clearly. We are committed to ensuring that the necessary supports are put in place to protect scheduled services, school transport and coach tourism services, and the viability of operators.
- The CTTC will continue to advocate strongly on behalf of its members, at the highest levels of Government, and pursue measures that respond to current cost challenges, while supporting the continued delivery of essential passenger transport services across the country.