Laois councillors demand Bus Éireann lets school drivers aged over 70 to work

Bus Éireann and the Department of Education are being urged to drop "double standards" that prevent older school bus drivers from bringing kids to school, even though they can legally drive schoolkids to outings.

Laois Fine Gael Cllr Conor Bergin got full support of his colleagues when he tabled a motion with the request, to the December meeting of Laois County Council.

"This is an important issue. We have a shortage, we have had for years. A driver aged over 70 cannot legally drive a bus to and from schools, this is a Bus Éireann policy.

"But they can if they are going to swimming lessons, or from school becuase he is privately hired by the school," said Cllr Bergin, who represents the Borris-in-Ossory Mountmellick Municipal District.

"It's a double standard, it makes no sense. There are many qualified drivers aged over 70 who would love to work, even a couple of hours a week. If they are over 70, but they meet every condition, they should be allowed becuase they have all the qualifications. A job like this is not attractive to younger people. 

"I call on Bus Éireann, 2026 is the year to do it, and help us alleviate the bus shortage here and across the country," Cllr Bergin said.

Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley seconded the motion.

"A lot of drivers reach 70 and are no longer able to drive, the problem seems to be with Bus Éireann. They can drive up North. Conor's leader Simon says he agrees with proposals so it's looking like it's Bus Éireann are the ones not moving.

"If a medical exam is done, there's no reason why it shouldn't happen. The government writes the cheques for Bus Éireann," she said.

Read next: Man hospitalised after assault in Laois village

Cllr John King and all the colleagues in the chamber agreed.

"It doesn't mean that when you reach 70 the next day you are capable of doing very little. If the medical is ok and the eyesight is ok, I fully support this," he said.

Laois County Council will now request the action of the Department and Bus Éireann.