Citylink Ireland announced today that it has outsourced its operations to Galway-based Callinan Coaches Ltd, in a deal worth in excess of €30m.

Clare, Munster -- (SBWire) -- 06/22/2010 -- Under the terms of the five-year contract, Callinan Coaches will carry in excess of one million passengers each year on 85 daily Citylink routes, connecting Ireland’s major cities and international airports.

Claregalway-based Callinan Coaches currently employs 35 drivers and a number of maintenance staff to operate 14 Non Stop services for Citylink, as well as a number of domestic and continental services. An additional 39 drivers will be employed under the terms of the new contract.

Callinan’s fleet of 15 coaches, all of which are 5-Star Failte Ireland approved, will operate the new services along with Citylink Ireland’s fleet of luxury 24 coaches.

Commenting on the contract, Cathy Cullen, Managing Director of Citylink said: “The awarding of this outsourcing contract is an integral part of Citylink’s strategy to secure the financial stability of the company and to reaffirm our long-term commitment to the Irish market. The deal is great news for the travelling public as it consolidates the level and quality of services currently being provided, while it also enables Citylink to refocus its marketing strategy going forward”.

“Citylink are confident that Callinan Coaches, which has been named ‘Intercity Coach Operator Of The Year’ for two years in succession, will operate their scheduled services to the highest standard. Callinan and Citylink share a strong commitment to providing excellent customer care and consistency in the delivery of a first class service”, Ms. Cullen added.

Tommy Callinan, Founder of Callinan Coaches Ltd. stated: "We look forward to continuing our work with Citylink Ireland, delivering a service that allows the company to concentrate on launching new routes and expanding its scope throughout Ireland."

Callinan Coaches, on behalf of Citylink, will operate the following services under the outsourcing agreement:

- 15 multi-stop Galway to Dublin and 15 multi-stop Dublin to Galway services daily

- 14 non-stop Galway to Dublin and 14 non-stop Dublin to Galway services daily (Callinan Coaches currently operates these services under contract for Citylink)

- 5 multi-stop Galway to Cork and 5 multi-stop Cork to Galway services daily

- Daily services from Galway to and from Clifden

- Daily services from Galway to and from Shannon International Airport

For more visit http://www.citylink.ie.

Note To Editor:

- Representatives of Citylink and Callinan Coaches are available for interview on request. To arrange please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy PR on 086-8534900 or media@dunphypr.com