Bus operator spent €280,000 to address compliance issues

A Mayo bus company will avoid a conviction if €5,000 is paid to a charity.

M. Corduff Travel, Rossport, previously pleaded guilty to six charges before a sitting of Belmullet District Court. The offences related to driver cards, tacographs and the provision of records.

Mark Ryan, BL, representing M. Corduff Travel, said during the original hearing that the company is a relatively young entity. He said it was established by Michael Corduff whose father was also involved in the industry. He said his client ‘got carried away’ and the business expanded swiftly. He said his client is embarrassed to be in court and has made significant changes to his business.

Mr Ryan said the company has spent €280,000 to address compliance issues and continues to make upgrades to its technology. The barrister said there was an ‘antiquated paper system’ in place to record driver movements at the time that the offences occurred.

Judge Fiona Lydon adjourned the case for further technology upgrades to be carried out and for account certification to be provided.

The case came before the court again on Wednesday with the Judge noting that a ‘considerable amount of money’ had been spent by the company on new technology.

“They have come a long way to remedy the breach,” Judge Lydon added.

Solicitor Dermot Hewson, representing M Corduff Travel, said the company feared a conviction could impact its licence. He said there were also concerns that it would prevent them from securing contracts in the future.

Judge Lydon commented that substantial mitigation had been provided. The Judge said she would impose a fine of €5,000 on one of the counts and take all other matters into consideration.

The Judge asked that efforts be made for a suitable road-safety related charity to be identified with the €5,000 then donated to that organisation. Judge Lydon said she would not record a conviction once this money is paid.

The case was adjourned until October 11 for finalisation.