Go-Ahead Ireland Announces 100 New Jobs and €4.5m Investment in Dublin Commuter Contract
Go-Ahead Ireland, the country's newest bus company, is today announcing the creation of a further 100 jobs and additional €4.5 million investment in its second bus depot, located in Naas, Co. Kildare. This is in addition to 425 jobs created and €12.5 million invested in its Dublin business since 2018.
Go-Ahead Ireland began operating bus services across the capital in September last year after the National Transport Authority (NTA) awarded the company the contract to run 10% - 24 routes - of the Outer Dublin Metropolitan Area (ODMA) Public Service Obligation routes. All the ODMA routes have been operational since the end of March 2019. In a separate competitive tender, Go-Ahead Ireland, was awarded the contract to operate 6 Dublin Commuter routes and this latest bus and investment announcement, is to facilitate that contract, as well as ongoing growth across the Go-Ahead Ireland business.
The new roles include bus drivers, engineers, maintenance and operational support, supervisors and admin personnel - the majority of which will be based in the new Naas depot, although there is some flexibility on location.
Speaking at the announcement, Ed Wills, Managing Director of Go-Ahead Ireland said, "We are delighted to expand our investment, support the economy and create jobs in Ireland. It is important for us to grow talent locally and we look forward to engaging with the communities these new routes will operate in. Bus driver roles are great for those who enjoy working with the public and relish being part of a busy environment.”
Bus drivers are offered comprehensive training, paid for by the Company, and the generous package includes post-training earning of up to €32,000 per annum, contributory pension scheme, overtime and outstanding career development opportunities. Go-Ahead Ireland is eager to hear from anyone who holds a full car driving licence for 2 years – who meets the medical requirements – as well as experienced category D licence holders. Those interested in applying should visit the careers section of the www.goaheadireland.ie website.
The NTA has indicated switchover dates from Bus Éireann to Go-Ahead Ireland in the last quarter of 2019. Exact dates and timetables will be issued over the coming months. Route information is as follows;
- Route 120 – Dublin to Edenderry
- Route 120c (new) - Tullamore to Enfield
- Route 123 – Dublin to Kilmeage
- Route 124 – Dublin to Portlaoise
- Route 126 – Dublin to Newbridge (extensions to Kildare and Rathangan)
- Route 130 – Dublin to Athy
The €4.5 million investment will be spread across driver training, depot fit out and mobilisation.
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