Go-Ahead Ireland operates key bus routes in North Wicklow, including the local L1, L2, L3, L15 and the 45A bus routes, which serve areas from Newcastle to Bray. These were among the Bus Connects local services for north Wicklow, which were rolled out in January this year.
In October, the firm opened a satellite depot in Kilpedder, and is planning to move more Wicklow-based services to the depot on a phased basis next year, in line with its recruitment plans.
The firm said that as Kilpedder is a satellite depot, heavy maintenance is still done from their Ballymount depot but day-to-day operations for fuelling, cleaning and driver operations will be carried out in Wicklow.
Following the new contract, Go-Ahead Ireland will create 400 new jobs across its Dublin and Wicklow operations, with 90 new roles expected for Wicklow, a major development that will significantly expand the company’s network in the Greater Dublin Area.
The roles span the entire business, and will include drivers, mechanics, apprentices, support staff and management. The new contract will see Go-Ahead Ireland operate 65 ODMA routes through the company’s Ballymount, Ballycoolin, and Kilpedder locations. These new services will bring the total number of routes operated by the firm to 72, once mobilisation is complete.
Since beginning operations in 2018, Go-Ahead Ireland has expanded steadily, growing to more than 900 staff and operating 37 Public Service Obligation (PSO) routes, including five commuter services across Leinster. It is the fastest-growing bus operator in Dublin year-on-year since 2023, carrying 22.5 million passengers in 2024.
Commenting on the announcement, Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien said: “I would like to congratulate Go-Ahead Ireland on the creation of these new positions which will serve communities in terms of increased public transport provision and employment opportunities.
“Investment in our public transport services and the commitment of operators such as Go-Ahead Ireland go hand in hand in furthering the development of sustainable public transport that benefits communities.”
Remarking on the jobs boon, Dervla McKay, managing director of Go-Ahead Ireland, said: “We are delighted to announce these new roles, which is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our colleagues who are at the heart of everything we do. The business has progressed steadily over the past several years, built on our commitment to provide reliable, accessible, and friendly public transport services, which has positioned us as the fastest growing bus operator in the region.”
Daniel Lewis, chief commercial officer of The Go-Ahead Group, added: “Winning this contract and creating 400 new roles is a major milestone for Go-Ahead Ireland. It’s about more than expanding services, it’s about providing better connections for communities and creating real opportunities for people across Dublin and Wicklow.
“We’re proud to partner with the NTA to deliver reliable, sustainable transport that supports local economies and helps build a greener future.”