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EU landmark ruling for Buncrana
bus company
23.08.16
PENSIONERS and other
holders of the free bus pass can now use an
Inishowen bus company after a landmark campaign by
the company and an MEP.
Independent MEP Marian Harkin recently met with the
owners of McGonagle Bus Company including Hugh
McGonagle and son Philip after a positive decision
in Europe. |
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Independent MEP Marian Harkin
pictured at McGonagle Bus Company's depot in
Buncrana with Hugh McGonagle, left, and son Philip
after she secured a positive ruling on free bus
passes. |
She had been approached
by private bus service providers who were being
prevented from accepting free pass holders on their
buses.
“I took the matter up at European Commission level
under anti-competitive regulations and within ten
months had secured a positive result for the private
bus operators," said Ms Harkin.
"This was an example of where, once again, Irish
authorities had not acted in accordance with EU law
and it emphasised the right of citizens to pursue
redress when they feel that as private citizens or
as companies, that the state is not acting
properly," she added.
Hugh McGonagle thanked Ms Harkin for her work in
securing the right of private bus operators to carry
free bus pass holders while his son Philip urged her
to "continue focus on the rural transport needs
necessary to help to maintain the social and
economic fabric of rural areas". |
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