Council call to raise bus driver age limit

Transport Minister Eamonn Ryan is being urged to “immediately” increase the maximum age for drivers of public transport from 65 to 70 years.

Councillors agreed to write to the Minister on the issue at a recent meeting of the Ballyjamesduff Municipal District.

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

Cllr Philip Brady (FF) 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 remarked.