LATEST: Kildare motorists braced for traffic delays due to fuel price protests tomorrow

The Chair of the Coach Tourism and Transport Council (CTTC), David Conway, has said the organisation will not take part in a planned protest over rising fuel costs, while acknowledging the severe financial strain facing operators.

In a statement, the CTTC said it recognises the protest scheduled for tomorrow, which is being held in response to escalating fuel prices linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and wider cost pressures across the transport sector.

“There is no doubt that bus and coach operators are facing sustained and serious cost pressures, and are dealing with a very challenging operating environment,” the statement said.

However, the council made clear it has no role in organising the demonstration. “The CTTC is not involved in the planning or coordination of this protest and we will not be taking part in it,” it said, adding a request that demonstrators “keep bus lanes clear so that buses and coaches can move freely around the country and help keep Ireland moving.”

The organisation said its focus remains on engagement with Government departments, including the Department of Finance and the Department of Transport, to secure practical supports for members dealing with exceptional cost inflation.

It confirmed that recent discussions had taken place with the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, describing them as constructive, with further talks expected in the near future.

“These discussions are important, and we are continuing to make the case for targeted supports to help coach and bus operators manage the impact of rising fuel and operating costs,” the statement said.

The CTTC said its priority is to ensure the sector’s concerns are clearly heard and addressed, particularly in relation to maintaining scheduled services, school transport and coach tourism.

“The CTTC will continue to advocate strongly on behalf of its members, at the highest levels of Government, and pursue measures that respond to current cost challenges, while supporting the continued delivery of essential passenger transport services across the country,” it added.