Courts / Dublin / Report

Trade union launches High Court challenge against bus routes tender

Date
2015-04-20
Stage
Hearing Or Decision
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

The National Bus and Rail Workers Union (NBRU) and member Pauric Wall have launched a High Court challenge against the National Transport Authority (NTA). The applicants, who include Dublin Bus and Bus Eireann as parties whose routes are affected, seek to quash three NTA decisions made on January 22 regarding the tendering of approximately 30 routes in Dublin and Waterford City. The NBRU alleges that the NTA's decision to invite tenders breaches exclusive operating rights conferred under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 and that the NTA acted outside its powers. The union claims the NTA incorrectly interpreted an EU Regulation, which it argues does not mandate the privatisation of public passenger transport services. The applicants seek declarations that the NTA's decisions are null and void. In response, NTA lawyers stated the authority is entitled to make the tendering decisions. The court heard that contract notices have been issued, with awards due in April 2016. Mr Justice Seamus Noonan granted permission to bring the action on an ex parte basis. The matter was adjourned and made returnable to a date in early June.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Trade union launches High Court challenge against bus routes tender. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

Why: The NBRU says it has launched the action because of it's concerns about the effects of privatising routes currently operated by the state bus companies. CNI source report

Case subjects

Bus Eireann

Applicant

Dublin Bus

Applicant

Pauric Wall

Applicant

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • High Court
Secondary Mention
Journey Or Route

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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