Sinn Féin spokesperson on Climate, Environment, Energy and Transport, Pa Daly TD, has called on the government to urgently address the shambolic service delivered by private bus operator Go-Ahead.

He has argued that if Go-Ahead cannot guarantee basic service provision then their contract should be cancelled.

He has written to the National Transport Authority to urgently seek clarity on the issue.

Teachta Daly said:

“Since January 26th, there has been absolute chaos on bus routes.

“Commuters have been experiencing severe delays, or their buses have been cancelled altogether.

“However, these problems didn’t just start on

“Rather than being the exception, the phenomenon of “Ghost Buses” is becoming the norm.

“Children are late for school. Workers are failing to show up on time to work. People are missing important medical appointments.

“In my own constituency of Kerry, students are regularly unable to attend college because their buses have failed to show up.

“This is unacceptable.

“Last year, Sinn Féin expressed concern when this contract was granted. I take no pleasure in this stance being vindicated.

“Go-Ahead have pointed to capacity and capability issues yet the problems remain.

“This cannot continue.

“It is not just a minor inconvenience to people. It is adversely affecting their daily lives.

“It is clear that the service operated by Go-Ahead is not fit for purpose. If they cannot guarantee the service that they have been contracted and paid large amounts to carry out, then their licence must be revoked.

“The government and National Transport Authority must urgently address these issues. They must bring these routes back under public control so that ordinary workers and families can go about their everyday lives.”