Go-Ahead Ireland to create 400 new jobs following major contract win and expansion of services

Go-Ahead Ireland to create 400 new jobs following major contract win and expansion of services

Significant expansion as part of newly awarded ODMA North and South contract

At least 90 of the new positions to be based in County Wicklow

Go-Ahead Ireland (GAI) has announced that it will create 400 new jobs across its Dublin and Wicklow operations after being awarded the National Transport Authority’s (NTA) ODMA North and South contract, a major development that will significantly expand the company’s network in the Greater Dublin Area.

The new roles span the entire GAI business, and will include Drivers, Mechanics, Apprentices, Support Staff, and Management. Recruitment will now commence and continue aligned to the NTA’s BusConnects Network Redesign programme.

The new ODMA North and South contract will see GAI 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 GAI to 72 once mobilisation is complete.

At least 90 of these positions will be based in the company’s new satellite depot in Wicklow and will service operations in the county.

Since beginning operations in 2018, Go-Ahead Ireland has expanded steadily, growing to more than 900 colleagues 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. This level of demand underscores the public’s growing confidence in the company’s service quality and reliability.

Commenting on the announcement, Minister for Transport 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 GAI go hand in hand in furthering the development of sustainable public transport that benefits communities.”

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.

“We also look forward to launching our largest depot yet in Northwest Business Park, Dublin 15, which will house the majority of our Northside based routes and play a central role in supporting our continued growth.”

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.”