Iarnród Éireann has spent over €200k on transfer buses from Mallow to Cork Kent Station since the beginning of this year, due to parts of the train line being closed.
When construction works mean part of the line is unusable, passengers will get off the train a stop or two earlier and coaches hired by the train company from private companies will take them the remainder of the way.
A spokesperson for Iarnród Éireann said: “We have been undertaking significant works associated with the Cork Area Commuter Rail, and maintenance of Cork Tunnel during 2025.
“This has resulted in regular late evening and weekend works which have necessitated bus transfers between Mallow and Cork.
“Primarily arising from this, there has been €202,368 in planned bus hire costs between Cork and Mallow in 2025.”
The information was provided to Cork North Central Labour TD Eoghan Kenny, who told The Echo the amount of money was “absolutely ridiculous” and “unacceptable”.
“I welcome developments, I believe it is necessary, but I do not expect delays and the renting of private buses at a cost to the ordinary member of the public, who pay their taxes.”
He asked why a public bus service could not be provided, and why works could not be completed at night time when trains do not run.
“When it comes to the spending of public money, there is very little thought put into the completion of works. The department must clarify if spending of this amount of money is going to continue and for how long,” he said.