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Fuel crisis another “sucker punch” for coach tour industry

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By Sean Moriarty

Killarney-based coach tour and school bus operators say they are on their knees as a result of escalating fuel prices.

After two years of shutdowns as a result of the pandemic, the sector faces a new challenge as fuel prices hit record highs following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Many local operators honoured pre-pandemic bookings but they were priced at 2019 costs.

School operators are also feeling the pinch with the Coach Tourism and Transport Council of Ireland threatening to pull school bus runs unless there is something done to cap the price of diesel.

O’Callaghan Coaches are one such local operator. The family run firm has described the fuel crisis as a “sucker punch” after two years of being parked up as a result of COVID-19 restrictions.

The company also services several Killarney schools under a very competitive tender and contract scheme where there is very little margin for shock price increases in any part of the business.

“We are being crucified, we are on our knees,” Phillip O’Callaghan told the Killarney Advertiser. “The school situation is not a threat – it simply will not be possible for operators to keep buses on the road.”

Some large scale operators in the Killarney area are struggling to get supplies to their fuel tanks in their depots and are resorting to filling buses and trucks at regular filling stations.

This increase in demand at the forecourt will eventually cause supply issues for motorists.

Nationally there are reports of fuel trucks being turned away from Whitegate, near Bantry, Ireland’s only refinery, as there is not enough fuel there to meet current demand.

HITCHHIKE

The situation is so bad that a Killarney worker had no option but to thumb to work due to rising fuel costs.

Kilgarvan councillor Jackie Healy-Rae picked up a young college student who was thumbing to work this week.Fuel prices are at a record high price at the cost of diesel could soon be over €2 a litre. It is likely to get even worse as the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues.Healy-Rae said the youngster could no longer afford to put fuel in his car and have money left over for himself.“This is a young fellow heading to work in the hospitality sector in Killarney, he is working to pay his way through college. He was explaining to me that it is just not feasible to put petrol in his car and he started thumbing to work,” Cllr Healy-Rae told the Killarney Advertiser.

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Kerry coaches firm honoured with All-Ireland title

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Kerry Coaches named All-Ireland All-Star Bus & Coach Company of the Year 2025

Killarney-based Kerry Coaches has been named All-Ireland All-Star Bus & Coach Company of the Year 2025 by the All-Ireland Business Foundation. This recognition also marks Kerry Coaches’ second Business All-Star Accreditation, having received its first accolade in 2024.

Founded in 1957, Kerry Coaches has established itself as a leader in the Irish transport industry, known for its exceptional service and commitment to quality.  With a fleet of over 100 modern chauffeur vehicles, mini-buses and coaches the company provides a wide range of transport services, including corporate travel, executive golf transportation and bespoke tours throughout Ireland and Scotland.

 Speaking on the achievement, Mike Buckley, Director of Kerry Coaches, said:

“We are incredibly proud to receive this national recognition from the All-Ireland Business Foundation. It’s a true reflection of the dedication, professionalism, and passion shown by every member of our team. Our mission has always been to deliver exceptional travel experiences, and this award reaffirms our position as a leader in the industry.”

Announcing the news of Kerry Coaches’ achievement, Deputy Chair of AIBF’s Adjudication Board, Kieran Ring, said: “It is my pleasure to commend Kerry Coaches for its outstanding performance in achieving the Business All-Star accreditation. After a thorough review, the firm has been honoured with All-Ireland All-Star Bus & Coach Company Of The Year 2025. Kerry Coaches is distinguished not only for its superior fleet but also for its exceptional team, some of whom have been with the company for over 25 years. This seasoned team brings an extraordinary level of knowledge and expertise, ensuring that every client experience is exceptional.”         

Managing   Director   of   the   All-Ireland   Business   Foundation, Kapil   Khanna, said:  “The accreditation, which is now held by over 700 firms, is needed by the thousands of small and medium businesses which operate to their own standards but have nothing to measure them by.”

He   added: “We   evaluate   a   company’s   background, trustworthiness and performance, and we speak to customers, employees and vendors. We also anonymously approach the company as a customer and report back on the experience. The business goes through at least two interviews and is scored on every part of the process against set metrics.”

About The All-Ireland Business Foundation

The All-Ireland Business Foundation is an autonomous national accreditation body tasked with enterprise development and the promotion of Best-in-Class Irish businesses.

As the accreditation body for the Business All-Star mark, the AIBF recognises Best-In-Class Irish 

businesses.   Companies   that   merit   recognition   based   on   an   independent   audit   of   their performance, reputation, and customer-centricity.

Business All-Star Accreditation Is The Nation’s Symbol Of Trust. Currently, there are over 700 

companies that are accredited by AIBF. Since 2014, over 5000 companies have participated in their programmes.

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Trainee Blacksmith forging a career at Muckross Traditional Farms

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Phillip Pestor-Young, a trainee blacksmith from County Kildare, is currently gaining experience under Master Blacksmith Tom Allison at Muckross Traditional Farms.

Pestor-Young is enrolled in the All-Ireland Heritage Skills Programme. This programme is a cross-border educational initiative by the King’s Foundation, The Heritage Council, and the Historic Environment Division in Northern Ireland. 

Prior to moving to Ireland in 2019, Phillip trained as an engineer and fabricator in the UK. He is now developing his blacksmithing skills in Kerry.

For more information on the program, visit https://kings-foundation.org/study/all-ireland-heritage-skills-programme/.

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