Bus Éireann offering €2k sign-on bonus to new drivers in Cork
Bus Éireann was short about 35 drivers and mechanics in Cork as of the start of August.
In a bid to address a chronic shortage, Bus Éireann has announced that new drivers who join the company in Cork before the end of September will receive a €2,000 sign-on bonus.
The company has been struggling to hire and retain drivers nationally, with the Cork region worst-affected.
In May, Bus Éireann CEO Stephen Kent said the company would need an extra 2,000 drivers across its Public Service Obligation (PSO) and School Transport services to meet “unprecedented” demand over the next three years.
Addressing the joint Oireachtas committee on transport and communications that month, Mr Kent also said that despite trying to attract drivers from abroad, the lack of available housing was making recruitment difficult.
Despite recruiting a significant number of new drivers nationally over the past 18 months or so, Bus Éireann was still short about 35 drivers and mechanics in Cork as of the start of August.
And the shortages have impacted service delivery, with delays and cancellations seen on several routes in and around Cork City in recent months.
Ongoing works being carried out by Cork City Council on Patrick Street and Grand Parade have also led to bus delays, cancellations, and the re-routing of some of the Bus Éireann services which have stops in the city centre.
Indeed, a planned review of four of Cork City’s busiest routes, announced in March of this year, has been postponed until September due to the roadworks on Cork’s two main thoroughfares.
Amid the continued driver shortage, Bus Éireann was forced to delay annual leave for drivers until after the peak summer period in a bid to maintain its current services in Cork.
Announcing the new, time-limited €2,000 sign-on offer for new drivers, Bus Éireann Chief People Officer, Jean O'Sullivan, said the incentive underscores the company's commitment to "attracting qualified drivers to the transportation industry while meeting the growing demands for a reliable and efficient public transport system for the people of Cork".
To avail of the offer, eligible candidates must complete the required training and commence their employment with Bus Éireann, in Cork, by September 30. "We are delighted to extend this opportunity to D licence drivers looking to make a meaningful change in their careers," Ms O'Sullivan added.
“We offer a competitive salary with extensive training opportunities and career progression alongside excellent conditions like our pension and GP scheme."
Bus Éireann will also be running four open days this week as part of its recruitment efforts in Cork. The open days will take place at the Rochestown Park Hotel in Douglas from 10am to 8pm on Thursday, August 22, until Sunday, August 25.
