Cavan council members want bus driver age increased to 70 years

Letter to be sent to Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan.

Members of Cavan County Council have agreed to write to the Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan to ask him to “immediately” increase the maximum age for drivers of public transport from 65 to 70 years.

The decision was reached after a notice of motion on the matter was brought forward by members of the Ballyjamesduff Municipal District during the September meeting of the local authority at Cavan Courthouse.

Cllr Trevor Smith (FG) told those gathered that the “dire shortage” in school transport drivers was obvious and one solution to the problem would be to increase the age limit as set down by the Department in conjunction with Bus Eireann.

“We know the difficulties that are there with regard to the shortage of drivers for school buses and the issues with bringing children to school,” he continued before adding that one way around the problem would be to “raise the age limit from 65 to 70 years”.

Cllr Philiip Brady (FF) who is also a member of the Ballyjamesduff Municipal District highlighted how drivers not eligible to work for Bus Eireann can operate private buses. “It is a ridiculous situation; if people are capable of driving to the age of 70 they should be allowed to do so,” he added.

Meanwhile, the motion received the full backing of members and a letter in respect of the matter will be sent to the Minister in due course.