Bus operator sues over failure to renew licence

A bus services operator has taken legal action over the Minister for Transport’s failure to renew its operating licence.

Dublin-based Express Bus Ltd provides commuter and shuttle bus services in the greater Dublin area, school bus services and private coach hire.

At the High Court on Wednesday, Mr Justice Paul Gilligan was told the company’s licence has not been renewed by the Minister. Because the licence was due to expire at midnight on Wednesday, the company sought injunctions preventing the Minister cancelling it. It also sought injunctions suspending revocation as of midnight on June 15th.

The firm, represented by Ronan Lupton BL, said its renewal application was made online and all relevant documents were submitted. No reason was given to the company why the licence has not been renewed, the court was told.

The only possible reason was the department had asked for certain original documents in connection with the application to be submitted but that material had already been submitted, the court was also told.

Mr Lupton said his client was concerned about its ability to operate as normal due to the failure to renew the licence.

Mr Justice Gilligan granted the ex parte (one side only represented) application for permission to serve short notice of the case on the Minister and returned the matter to Thursday morning. He hoped an explanation could be given then as to why the licence had not been extended or renewed, he said.