‘Someone is going to get badly hurt’
10:59, 22 May 2026Updated 11:12, 22 May 2026
A Cork city bus with window smashed by vandals throwing rocks
Bus Eireann say they are working with Gardai to tackle severe anti-social behaviour that has targeted buses running through the Mahon area – forcing the diversion of some services.
Drivers were forced to take a different route through the area on Wednesday evening after a large rock was thrown through the lower deck window of a 202A as it passed by the Ringmahon Rangers grounds. These services have since returned to normal schedules.
One eyewitness told CorkBeo that the driver had to stop the bus and ask passengers to get off. Youths have been seen in the area on a regular basis in recent weeks, throwing stones and rocks at passing trucks and buses.
CorkBeo understands that drivers and their union reps have warned Bus Éireann management in Cork that the situation has gotten well out of hand and that they are worried for their own safety and the safety of their passengers. Local Councillors have expressed fears that services will have to be diverted or cut completely, as happened after similar anti-social behaviour in Mahon in October 2024.
However, Bus Eireann have told CorkBeo that while they did have to re-route services on the night the window was smashed, it was only for a short period and they are taking the reported incidents very seriously. The company is liasing with Gardai on the investigation into these incidents.
A spokesperson told CorkBeo: Bus Éireann can confirm an incident of antisocial behaviour occurred with one of our vehicles on the Routes 202A (serving Hollyhill to Mahon Point via Merchants Quay) at approximately 19:00. Thankfully, there were no injuries to employees or customers at that time.”
“All services on the Route 202A and 212 operated on Wednesday evening but buses were diverted to Skehard Road due to the incident for approximately 2 hours until it was deemed safe to operate the full service on both routes.”
The safety of our passengers and employees is of paramount importance to Bus Éireann, and any incidents reported are taken very seriously and are fully investigated. Bus Éireann is currently investigating with the local Gardaí. Customers or members of the public can also report any incidents to Gardaí, to the driver, or to our Customer Care team on 0818 294 015.”
Bus Eireann says “Incidents of antisocial behaviour remain low across our network. However, Bus Éireann understands the impact even one such incident can have on our passengers and staff. In a recent report published by the NTA, 94% of customers report feeling safe using Bus Éireann services.
“Bus Éireann is fully committed to providing a safe workspace and service to our staff and customers and continues to engage with all relevant stakeholders through various forums to ensure appropriate action is taken in response to incidents of antisocial or criminal behaviour. An investigation is currently underway and Bus Éireann is liaising with local Gardaí on the matter.”
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