Bus Éireann Pilots Ireland's First Ever Natural Gas-Powered Bus

The Minister for Public and Commuter Transport, Alan Kelly, TD, has officially announced Bus Éireann's trial of the country's first natural gas-powered bus in a move that may help reduce fuel costs and benefit the environment.

Transport Minister Alan Kelly with Maeve Cashman and Alan Connolly at Bus Eireann's launch of Ireland's first ever natural gas fuelled bus.The natural gas-powered city bus is operating across a number of city routes in Cork until August in a trial that will examine the potential fuel and emission savings from the vehicle, as well as its operational performance. The trial is being undertaken in partnership with Bord Gáis Networks.


The use of natural gas-powered buses results in significantly improved air quality in cities. Studies have shown that they reduce emissions such as nitrogen oxides, sulphur and soot, which affect health (especially heart and respiratory systems). Natural gas-powered buses also provide significant savings in fuel costs. In some European cities, reductions of up to 50 per cent in fuel costs are achieved compared to diesel.

Natural gas-powered buses are an established technology with over 320,000 natural gas-powered buses in operation globally in cities such as New York, Madrid, Verona and Barcelona. In addition, there are over 14.5 million natural gas vehicles (NGVs) being used worldwide.

The Eco-city bus from manufacturer MAN runs on natural gas and is refuelled through a refuelling unit based at the Bus Éireann Capwell Road depot in Cork.

(CD/GK)