Express Bus Ltd launches action over failure to renew licence

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

Express Bus Ltd took legal action at the High Court on 15 June 2016 over the Minister for Transport’s failure to renew its operating licence. The Dublin-based company provides commuter and shuttle bus services in the greater Dublin area, school bus services and private coach hire.

Mr Justice Paul Gilligan was told the licence was due to expire at midnight on 15 June 2016. The company sought injunctions preventing the Minister from cancelling it and suspending revocation as of midnight on that date.

The firm, represented by Ronan Lupton BL, said its renewal application had been made online and all relevant documents submitted. The court was told no reason had been given for the failure to renew. It was also told the only possible reason was that the department had requested certain original documents, but that material had already been submitted.

Ronan Lupton BL said his client was concerned about its ability to operate as normal. Mr Justice Paul Gilligan granted the ex parte application, with only one side represented, for permission to serve short notice of the case on the Minister. He returned the matter to Thursday morning, when he hoped an explanation could be given for why the licence had not been extended or renewed.