A Limerick school bus operator has suspended school transport indefinitely after citing sharp increases in fuel prices and mounting operating costs. Paudie Kenneally of Kenneally Coach Hire in Newcastle West said he would cease operating school runs from Monday morning after a recent rise of 35 cent per litre in fuel costs. He described the increase as unsustainable.
School Bus Service Stops From Monday Morning
The decision affects school runs run by Kenneally Coach Hire, based in Newcastle West. The operator said the move follows pressure from fuel prices and wider operating costs that have built up over time. The service is now on hold indefinitely.
Kenneally’s announcement marks the latest disruption tied to the cost of keeping transport services on the road. In this case, the main pressure point is fuel, with the latest increase putting further strain on day-to-day operations. The operator said he would not continue under conditions he described as financially impossible.
Why the School Bus Operator Took This Step
The core issue is the 35 cent per litre jump in fuel costs. That increase, combined with mounting operating costs, pushed the business to stop school runs rather than continue at a loss. The operator framed the decision as a matter of survival, saying he was not prepared to keep operating in a way that would leave him worse off.
The situation leaves uncertainty around how long the suspension will last. No alternative arrangement was outlined in the information provided, and the service has been described as suspended indefinitely.
What Kenneally Said
Paudie Kenneally of Kenneally Coach Hire in Newcastle West said he would cease operating school runs from this Monday morning. He linked the move directly to the rise in fuel prices and the broader cost burden on the business. His message was blunt: he said the increase was unsustainable.
The scale of the decision is significant because it follows 42 years of operation. That long run has now been interrupted by cost pressure severe enough to force a halt to the school bus service.
What Happens Next
For now, the service remains suspended indefinitely, with no further details provided on a restart. The immediate focus is on the operator’s decision to stop school runs and the financial pressure behind it. Unless costs ease, the school bus suspension is set to remain in place.
