Solutions to cross-border bus operations problem

At present there are some children being transported to schools in Northern Ireland by Republic of Ireland bus operators. Issues were raised with the Minister, following which extensive legal opinion advised that the current practice did not comply with European Law.

DOE is responsible for regulating this activity. Alex Attwood has therefore moved to find a solution to this problem and to give certainty to schools, parents and bus operators, working closely with the Department of Education. The steps being taken are to ensure safety and compliance with the law, to protect users, not least children. In addition, the Minister will continue to further determine from the EU Commission, working with Dublin and London, their interpretation of the law and advice.

Mr Attwood’s guidance clarifies the position when a non-NI bus operator provides a service where the passengers are fully transported within Northern Ireland, an activity known as cabotage. This includes school transport in Northern Ireland being provided by bus operators from the Republic of Ireland.

Alex Attwood said: ‘My primary concern is, and has to be, to ensure that all bus journeys in Northern Ireland are safe and comply with all relevant laws. This is a complex area. I have therefore issued advice to clarify the position for people hiring buses, bus operators, parents and the public. The result will be that operators from the South will have to register in the North. If this is done then southern operators will be able to work or continue to work in the North. I have made this judgement at all times with the primacy of children’s safety and parents needs in mind. I have also discussed this with my Ministerial colleague in Dublin, Minister Varadkar.

“I recognise that there are arrangements in place where bus operators from the Republic of Ireland provide services in the North, changes to these arrangements may cause concern, particularly in schools. I want to make the process of ensuring operators comply with the legislation as easy and straightforward as possible. My Department will work closely with them, helping to guide them through the steps that need to be taken to ensure appropriate arrangements are put in place. We will also work closely with them regarding new licences and any issues they have about setting up operations in Northern Ireland.

“I am also engaging with the Irish Government to make sure that the same principles are applied for northern operators working in the South. I am also working with the Irish and British Governments and the European Commission to ensure the fullest clarity on all of these issues.”

If organisations have questions, they should contact the Driver and Vehicle Agency Road Transport Licensing Division on 028 9025 4129.