“School transport may not return after Easter without Government action”

School and essential transport services across Ireland are at risk of disruption after Easter unless the Government introduces enhanced supports for the bus and coach industry.

This is according to Dublin-based coach operator Nolan Coaches, which employs over 120 staff and operates a fleet of more than 75 buses and coaches.

The company, which provides a wide range of services including school transport, corporate shuttle operations and Transport for Ireland Local Link routes, said that rapid fuel price increases in recent weeks are now placing severe and unsustainable pressure on operators nationwide.

Recent increases in fuel costs have effectively wiped out previously introduced Government support measures, leaving operators exposed to significant and immediate cost increases.

Garrett O’Toole, Chief Executive of Nolan Coaches, said:

“The supports that were brought in are now gone — completely wiped out by the speed of fuel price increases.

“We are now facing an additional fuel bill of over €250,000 per year, which is simply not sustainable for any operator.”

While confirming that all services are currently operating as normal, Nolan Coaches stressed that it remains fully committed to continuing its school transport, Local Link and other essential services across the communities it serves.

“We will continue to do everything we can to operate our services and support our customers.

“However, this is not just a Nolan Coaches issue — this is an industry-wide problem affecting operators right across the country.”

The company warned that without immediate Government intervention, the situation could escalate in the coming weeks as cost pressures continue to build.

“If nothing is done, there is a real risk that school and essential transport services across the country may not return after Easter.

“We are committed to playing our part, but operators need meaningful support to ensure these services remain viable.”

Nolan Coaches also highlighted that many operators are tied into fixed-rate public service and school transport contracts, leaving little flexibility to respond to rapid and sustained increases in fuel costs.

The company said that while much of the national focus has been on the haulage sector, bus and coach operators are facing the same cost pressures while continuing to deliver vital daily services for communities, businesses and schools.

“We are moving thousands of people every day — including schoolchildren and key workers — yet our sector is not getting the recognition or level of support it requires. That needs to change, and it needs to change quickly.”

Nolan Coaches says it is calling on Government to “introduce immediate and targeted supports, including enhanced fuel rebates and the introduction of fuel cost adjustment mechanisms within public service and school transport contracts.”

The company confirmed it will continue to engage with industry representatives and Government stakeholders in the coming days.