Under the Transport Act 1958, Bus Éireann is exempted from passenger licensing. However, since 10 January 2001 Bus Éireann is required to notify my Department at least four weeks in advance of the commencement of proposed new services or proposed amendments to existing services. In line with this direction, my Department received a notification from Bus Éireann on 4 October 2002 for the proposed introduction of a new early morning commuter service between Dublin, Athlone and Galway.
Following an initial examination of the notification, my Department identified two licence applications from private operators for services on and along the same route, which were received prior to the Bus Éireann notification. Applications and notifications are dealt with on a first come first served basis and accordingly the prior applications fall to be dealt with first. Both prior applications are being processed and will be finalised shortly. My Department has been in contact with Bus Éireann to advise it of the position and the Department will revert to the company as soon as decisions are made on both applications. To date, my Department has not received a notification from Bus Éireann for a Lanesboro-Roscommon-Athlone bus service.