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Coach industry needs to be included in overall tourism rescue plan

By Sean Moriarty

A Killarney coach tour operator is calling on the government to provide more clarity on the rules that effect the sector so he can go about re-opening his business.

O’Callaghan Coaches, which is based in Rockfield, on the Tralee road, is one of Ireland’s longest established tour providers.

The family-run business has been in operation for 51 years and boss Phillip O’Callaghan is concerned about the future of the industry.

He says the government, which is trying to re-start the tourism industry, has overlooked coach providers in its plans. The government has outlined plans for the hotel and aviation industry but he says there is no point in bringing planeloads of tourists into the country and booking them into hotels if they cannot be transported from an airport to their destination.

“All elements of the industry need to work together,” he told the Killarney Advertiser, “The is no road map for re-starting our type of business.”

O’Callaghan provides a range of high-end packages for tourists, and every year invests heavily in acquiring new coaches and buses. Older buses are transferred to other parts of the business like schools runs or sports team transport.

“We have a big financial commitment and the industry needs help, without it could be catastrophic for coach operators,” added Mr O’Callaghan.

He is also worried about social distancing regulations on coaches and says operating to one-third of his capacity on each coach simply would not pay.

Meanwhile, Kerry TD Norma Foley says no measure should be off the table when it comes to grant-aid to restart our economy.

She was responding to queries from bus and coach companies concerned about their future following the impact of COVID-19 on their business.

“Social distancing guidelines have huge ramifications for the viability of bus and coach operators. Specific grant supports must be put in place to make these measures possible for operators to implement. In fact, a whole raft of supports must be urgently considered to support this sector including the possibility of setting up a Public Transport Recovery Task Force must also be examined,” she said.