Limerick drivers honoured at Bus Éireann GEM awards

BUS Éireann has recognised the outstanding contribution of its Limerick staff at the 2026 GEM Awards in the West, with Derek Lane receiving the RP Driver Excellence Award and the Limerick School Transport Team named Team of the Year.

Derek was recognised for his 36 years of service, with a career marked by dedication, reliability and professionalism.

The RP Driver Excellence Award acknowledges excellence in the core responsibilities of road passenger driving, including attendance, customer care, presentation, cashing in and collaboration with supervisors and colleagues.

Derek has been recognised as a role model for his colleagues, consistently maintaining high standards in his work. His flawless attendance record is a particularly notable achievement, demonstrating exceptional reliability and a sustained commitment to keeping communities connected.

Allen Parker, chief customer officer at Bus Éireann, said: “Derek’s 36 years of service represent a remarkable commitment to Bus Éireann and the communities we serve.

“His flawless attendance record speaks to his reliability and dedication, while his consistent standards reflect the professionalism required of a road passenger driver.

“This award is an opportunity to thank him for his many years of service and recognise the example he sets for colleagues.”

The Limerick School Transport Team was also recognised at the awards, receiving Team of the Year in the West for its resilience, professionalism and teamwork in responding to significant operational challenges.

During the year, the team faced a particularly demanding period when a large number of routes needed to be covered at short notice. Despite the pressure, the team remained focused on finding solutions and ensuring services continued to meet customer needs.

Its success has been driven by collaboration, effective communication and a willingness to support one another.

Team members shared knowledge, solved problems together and responded flexibly to changing requirements.

Their responsiveness, commitment to customer service and readiness to go the extra mile made a tangible difference during a challenging period.

Miriam Flynn, chief schools officer at Bus Éireann, said: “The Limerick School Transport Team has shown what can be achieved through resilience, communication and a shared commitment to getting the job done.

“Faced with a significant number of routes needing cover at short notice, the team worked together to find solutions and keep customers at the centre of its decisions. This is an excellent example of teamwork under pressure.”

The two awards celebrate the dedication, professionalism and commitment of Bus Éireann staff in Limerick.