Unlicenced bus used to bring American tourists on tour of Donegal

A bus company described as ‘very reputable’ used a vehicle which wasn’t licenced for public transportation due to a last minute breakdown, Donegal District Court heard.

Hennessy Coaches Limited pleaded guilty to the offence which was detected on October 12, 2023 at the Diamond, Donegal Town. The company is charged using the vehicle for the purpose of carriage or persons for reward, when said vehicle was not a small public service vehicle licenced under licencing regulations.

The court heard that a similar charge against the driver had been withdrawn as the company wished to ‘take the fall’ themselves.

Michael McCarthy acting for the National Transport Authority (NTA) told the court: “The facts are very straightforward. 

“The vehicle was being used to transport three American tourists. It wasn’t licenced.”

Frank Murphy, solicitor for the accused, outlined the circumstances which led to the unlicenced bus being used. 

“The tour was ready to go. The bus that was due to be used broke down and they used this one. 

“It was drivable. There was no difficulty. It just didn’t have all the boxes ticked. 

“This is a very reputable company. They do ski tours and tours around Donegal and the rest of the country.”

He said the driver had escaped prosecution as it would have had a detrimental effect.

“The company wanted to take the fall,” said Mr Murphy.

In imposing a fine of €500, Judge Sandra Murphy said: “Everybody has conducted themselves very well.”

The company was ordered to pay prosecution costs of €300 to the NTA. 

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