Go-Ahead Ireland to Create 400 Jobs Boosting Public Transport in Wicklow

Commuters in Wicklow and surrounding areas will benefit from more frequent, reliable, and accessible bus routes, making it easier to travel for work, school, and daily life as part of a new Go Ahead Ireland announcement

Wicklow is set to benefit from a major boost in employment and public transport services as Go-Ahead Ireland (GAI) announces the creation of 400 new roles across its Dublin and Wicklow operations, with at least 90 roles based at the Wicklow GAI depot. 

This comes after the company was awarded the National Transport Authority’s (NTA) Dublin Metropolitan North and South contract, a move that will significantly expand bus services in the Greater Dublin Area and Wicklow.

Of the 400 new positions, at least 90 will be based at GAI’s new satellite depot in Wicklow, ensuring the county will have improved access to reliable and sustainable bus services.

Roles available include Drivers, Mechanics, Apprentices, Support Staff, and Management, with recruitment aligned to the NTA’s BusConnects Network Redesign programme.

The new ODMA routes will see GAI operating 65 routes through Ballymount, Ballycoolin, and Kilpedder, bringing the total number of routes operated by the company to 72 once mobilisation is complete.

The Wicklow depot will play a central role in servicing the county, providing locals with better connectivity and helping the region meet its growing transport needs.

Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien, welcomed the development:
"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, added:
"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, highlighted the wider benefits:

"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."

Since beginning operations in 2018, GAI has grown steadily, now employing over 900 people and operating 37 Public Service Obligation (PSO) routes, including five commuter services across Leinster.

The company carried 22.5 million passengers in 2024, making it the fastest-growing bus operator in Dublin.