Bus Éireann seeking to recruit more female bus drivers

‘I love my job as you get to travel the country and meet loads of new and interesting characters’

Bus Éireann is actively seeking to recruit female bus drivers with a number of open days happening around the country this weekend.

The company currently has openings for new drivers nationally and is encouraging applications from women. Information sessions are being held in Dublin, Cork and Galway on Saturday.

John Sheridan, PR Manager with Bus Éireann said traditionally the majority of its drivers have been male but that is "changing".

“We want to encourage more women to consider it as a career option,” he said. “We hope that by attending one of our open days in Dublin, Cork or Galway, interested applicants will see that it is an attractive career option, and one that it is equally available to men and women.”

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Rhonda Byrne has been a driver for Bus Éireann for 12 years.

“When I was a young girl, I saw a female Bus Éireann driver and thought one day I would like to do that,” she said.

“ I then took the plunge and got my bus licence and with no driving experience, I arrived into Bus Éireann for an open day 11 years ago and was hired.

“It was by far one of my best decisions. I love my job as you get to travel the country and meet loads of new and interesting characters.”

Bus Éireann is also recruiting a number of apprentice heavy vehicle mechanics this year and the company is encouraging applications from females for these positions.

Those attending the open days have the opportunity to meet female bus drivers, operational and HR staff. For more information visitbuseireann.ie/WomenDrivers.

Sarah Burns

Sarah Burns

Sarah Burns is a reporter for The Irish Times