The operators of the Clare Bus service are urging the NTA to consider mediation in a bid to resolve their ongoing dispute.
Clare Accessible Transport has written to the National Transport Authority, after previously failing to reach agreement on a contract for the service earlier this year.
It comes as a Clare TD has requested a meeting with the company and the NTA.
In March this year, a new operator was appointed for the Clare Bus service, after responsibility for the routes was removed from Clare Accessible Transport, when a new contract could not be agreed with the NTA.
The National Transport Authority said at the time that it was putting alternative arrangements in place “on an interim basis”, but Clare’s Fianna Fáil TD says the new service is more expensive than the Clare Bus model.
Meelick Deputy Cathal Crowe says this has led to service users “desperately losing out”, and had called on the NTA to meet with him and Clare Accessible Transport.
He’s joined other Clare TDs in calling for both the NTA and the Minister for Transport to show leadership on the matter.
Clare Accessible Transport has now written to the NTA requesting that a mediator be appointed to resolve the matter, but has not yet received a response.
None of their buses are currently running, and Chairman Ger Hoey says the company only remains viable due to Government support made available in light of the public health emergency.
He also admits that when those supports come to an end, the company faces an uncertain future, but adds that until then, they’ll work to get the matter resolved.
Clare FM has sought comment on the matter from the NTA, and is awaiting a response.
Michael Glynn, Clare FM, first for local news.
