Report shows Bus Éireann generates €13m for Athlone economy

Bus Éireann, Ireland’s national bus company, has published a new report on its economic and social impact which shows that its contribution to the Athlone economy is vaued at €13 million.

The report was carried out by professional services firm KPMG and shows the positive impact that Bus Éireann and its services have on individuals and communities throughout Ireland, including in County Westmeath.

In 2019, Bus Éireann town services in Athlone carried 403,000 passengers. Services in the Western region, which includes Westmeath, carried 16 million passengers in 2019.

The company also employs 50 people who live in Westmeath and transports 3,000 students on school transport in the county each school day.

In total, there are 170 Bus Éireann bus stops in Westmeath, with 9 of these within 2km of hospitals and 29 stops in Westmeath within 2km of higher education institutes.

Speaking about the report the CEO of Bus Éireann, Stephen Kent, commented:

“We are proud of the contribution Bus Éireann and its employees make to the country, and to local communities in Westmeath. Ultimately, the value of Bus Éireann as Ireland’s national bus company is our understanding of transport needs in Ireland’s regional cities, towns and rural areas.

"The fact that we provide services in every county gives us a special understanding of what moves Ireland, how to do it better, and more sustainably.’’

The report’s project lead, Professor William Hynes of KPMG Future Analytics, added:

“This report details the extent of the contribution that Bus Éireann makes to both communities across the country and to the national economy through employment and facilitating the movement of people.

"Transport is ultimately an economic enabler, and Bus Éireann’s measurable and intangible impacts are compelling: ~€270 million for the economy, 8,800 direct and indirect jobs, and a social footprint in cities, towns and villages across the country."

Bus Éireann is also playing a role in Ireland’s fight against climate change by significantly reducing road congestion, and is targetting a 50% reduction in the its greenhouse gas emissions and a 30% increase in passenger numbers by 2030.