Row over bus operating licence resolved in High Court

A bus operator's legal action over the Minister for Transport's refusal to renew its operating licence has been resolved, the High Court heard.

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

The company brought proceedings after its licence was not renewed by the Minister.

Because the licence was due to expire at midnight on Wednesday, the company sought an injunction preventing the Minister cancelling it. It also sought an injunction suspending revocation as of midnight on June 15th.

Lawyers for the firm told Mr Justice Paul Gilligan its renewal application was made on line 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 when that material had already been submitted, the court was also told.

The court further heard the company was concerned about its ability to operate as normal due to the failure to renew the licence.

At the High Court on Wednesday, Mr Justice Gilligan granted the application for permission to serve short notice of the case on the Minister.

When the matter returned on Thursday morning Mr Gilligan was told the licence had been issued by the Minister on Wednesday evening after the matter had come before the court.

Ronan Lupton Bl for the company said the action had become moot and could be struck out. Following the renew of the licence, the company’s services had operated as normal.