Mayo fears grow over school transport as diesel hits €2.23 per litre

Concern is mounting among private bus operators in Mayo over the soaring cost of fuel, with some warning they may soon be unable to continue providing school transport services.

Operators say the sharp rise in diesel prices, now set to reach €2.23 per litre, has placed severe pressure on businesses that rely on fixed-price contracts to transport pupils to and from school.

Local operators have indicated that the current situation is becoming financially unsustainable.

Mayo bus operator William Barrett of WillieB.ie has been higlighting the issue today.

“We will be running at a loss bringing children to school every day,” one operator explained.

“Contracts were signed when the price of diesel was around 70 cent cheaper than what it is now.

"The figures simply don’t add up anymore.”

As a result, there are growing fears that a number of school bus routes across the county could be placed in jeopardy if the situation continues.

Many private hire providers who operate services under contract say they may be forced to reconsider their involvement in the scheme if fuel prices remain at current levels.

The surge in energy costs follows escalating tensions in the Middle East, with the price of a barrel of oil rising above $100 on international markets overnight.

Industry representatives warn that continued volatility in global fuel markets could have far-reaching consequences not only for school transport but for the wider Irish economy.

There are now increasing calls for government intervention or a review of existing transport contracts to ensure that vital rural school services can continue without placing operators under unsustainable financial strain.

Mayo Fine Gael Senator Mark Duffy has called on the Department of Transport to introduce supports for school bus services around the country that are rapidly becoming unviable due to the dramatic increases in fuel in the wake of events in the Middle East.

“I have been engaging with several bus companies in recent days that have come under severe pressure due to unprecedented hikes in fuel costs.

"One contractor told me his diesel rose to €2.05 per litre last Friday and he was then quoted €2.23 this morning with prices set to be reviewed on a daily basis.”

“Given that these operators are locked into service agreements based on vastly lower fuel costs, the huge increases that show no sign of abating in the short term simply cannot be absorbed by the bus companies and government will have to intervene to keep these services in place.

“I’m keen to speak to other bus companies to understand the realities the industry is facing in what is a hugely volatile situation.

"I am also acutely aware that it is not just bus companies that are severely impact by these price rises - taxi drivers, road hauliers, couriers and many other service providers have seen their fuel bills go through the roof in recent days and an urgent solution needs to be found to support them at this difficult time.”